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Twins complete series sweep of Orioles

Apr 5, 2007 - 5:36 AM MINNEAPOLIS (Ticker) -- The Minnesota Twins will hate to see the Baltimore Orioles leave the Metrodome.

Ramon Ortiz pitched seven strong innings and Michael Cuddyer had three hits and two RBI as the Twins downed the Orioles, 7-2, completing a three-game series sweep.

The Twins outscored the Orioles, 17-8, in the series and improved to 3-0 for the first time since 2001. It's Minnesota's first three-game sweep of Baltimore since 1994.

"It's our first homestand, we played pretty decent baseball here," Minnesota manager Ron Gardenhire said. "We got some good pitching. There is a long way to go, but its better than starting 0-3."

Ortiz (1-0) allowed two runs, five hits and a walk while striking out four. It was an impressive Twins debut for the righthander, who spent 2006 with the Washington Nationals. Ortiz's first win last season didn't come until his eighth start.

Ortiz said he feels much more comfortable with his new club because of the extra work he put in this spring with pitching coach Rick Anderson.

"(It helps) when you have a great pitching coach like 'Andy,' he worked hard with me in spring training and look at me now," Ortiz said. "I'm different now. Before, I tried too much when guys got on base. I would get too high. I had to say, 'Okay, relax and make a pitch.' And that's what I did tonight."

Matt Guerrier allowed one hit in two scoreless innings of relief to secure the win for Ortiz.

Baltimore starter Jaret Wright, also making his debut with a new team, did not last long against the Twins' lineup.

Leading 1-0 in the third inning, the Twins touched up the former New York Yankee for five runs. Rondell White's two-run single highlighted the rally and knocked Wright (0-1) out of the game. Lasting just 2 1/3 innings, the Baltimore righthander allowed six runs, four hits and five walks while striking out one.

It marked the 17th time in Wright's career that he has walked 5-plus batters in a game.

"I just don't think he had his command, period," Orioles manager Sam Perlozzo said. "We're going to give Jaret some time. It's just one start."

Luis Castillo had two hits and two RBI and Jason Kubel drove in a run for the Twins, who were 54-27 at home a year ago.

Though Cuddyer was 3-for-3 at the plate, his night was not perfect. He was forced out of the game in the sixth inning after fouling a pitch off the ground and into his face. Cuddyer required five stitches to repair a laceration on his chin and he is not expected to miss any time.

Tejada and Melvin Mora drove in runs for the Orioles, who started the season 0-3 for the first time since 1995.