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Orioles open home schedule versus Tigers

Apr 4, 2011 - 2:41 PM (Sports Network) - The Baltimore Orioles kick off the home portion of their 2011 schedule this afternoon when they play the first of three games against the Detroit Tigers at Camden Yards.

The Orioles entered the campaign with a bit of a buzz following the improved play down the stretch last season under new manager Buck Showalter. The optimism may have been warranted, as the Orioles opened the year by sweeping the defending American League champion Tampa Bay Rays.

On Sunday, Zach Britton was splendid in his major league debut, helping the Orioles to a 5-1 win.

Britton (1-0), who was called up after the Orioles placed left-handed pitcher Brian Matusz on the 15-day disabled list, went six innings and yielded just one run on three hits with six strikeouts.

"It's a great way to start the season," Britton said. "Hopefully we can carry the momentum into the next series and continue to play this way."

Mark Reynolds had two doubles and two runs batted in for the Orioles, who are hoping for their first 4-0 start since 1997.

Starting pitching has been the key to the O's fast start. Jeremy Guthrie tossed eight shutout innings in Friday's opener before Chris Tillman went six innings without surrendering a hit. Then Britton capped the weekend with his fine effort.

Hoping to keep that run going today will be right-hander Jake Arrieta, who was impressive in limited action last season. Called up in June, Arrieta went 6-6 and pitched to a 4.66 ERA.

The 25-year-old hurler, who was 3-0 with a 5.79 ERA this spring, faced the Tigers once last season and did not get a decision, but pitched well, surrendering a run and seven hits in 6 1/3 innings.

Detroit, meanwhile, opened its year by dropping two of three to the New York Yankees, but avoided a sweep on Sunday. Miguel Cabrera belted a pair of two- run homers and Brennan Boesch went 4-for-4 with a two-run shot, four runs batted in and four runs scored, helping the Tigers to a 10-7 victory.

Ramon Santiago and Ryan Raburn each finished with two hits and an RBI for the Tigers, who were beaten 6-3 and 10-6 in the first two games of the series.

Max Scherzer went the requisite five innings for the victory. Scherzer (1-0) was tagged for six runs on nine hits, four of which were homers, and two walks with six strikeouts. Jose Valverde pitched the ninth for his first save.

Heading to the hill for the Tigers today will be 22-year-old Rick Porcello, who took a step back last season following a solid rookie campaign in 2009. The righty finished the season strong after a stint at Triple-A. In all, he was 10-12 with a 4.92, but was 5-1 over his last six decisions.

Porcello has faced the Orioles twice and is 1-1 with a 3.00 ERA against them.

Baltimore split its 10 matchups with the Tigers last season.