Game 1: Erik Bedard vs. Johan Santana

[J W]

Orioles @ Twins Preview (AP)

Opening day is looking like a low-scoring pitchers duel... which of course means the score will be 14-8.

The Twins lineup sorely missed Shannon Stewart last season, as he was down often with injuries. Stewart is now in Oakland, leaving two LH bats (Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau) leading the offense from the #3 and 5 spots in the lineup. I think Bedard can frustrate the lefties and easily handle the rest of the lineup.

Our lineup actually matches up fairly well against Santana. Last season, left-handed batters hit .254/.306/.432 against him (as opposed to frightening numbers for RH batters). It will be up to Roberts, Markakis, Huff, Gibbons and Patterson to find a way around the Twins ace... and hopefully when Tejada can find himself on base.

I think this is going to come down to our bullpen, who'll give up a walk and a late game hit to Michael Cuddyer or the like... Bedard will get a no-decision and Santana will pick up victory #1 by relying on his incredible stamina and going 8-9 innings.

Prediction: Twins 3, Orioles 1

[-Kyle-]

I actually see the Orioles winning this one. Bedard will come blowing out of the gates, and I think he will throw a shutout against the somewhat weak twins lineup.

[Mariano_Rivera]

3-2 so far but bases are loaded for the twins. I hope you do well this season.

[Mariano_Rivera]

3-2 so far but bases are loaded for the twins. I hope you do well this season.

3-3 now

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[bryanac625]

Too bad the O's lose the first game of the season tonight. This ends their streak of Opening Day wins at six. But every one of those wins was the beginning of a losing season. Perhaps today's loss could be an omen of a change.

[Erik Bedard]

My thoughts exactly.