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Streaking O's seek 5-0 start in battle with Tigers

Apr 6, 2011 - 2:49 PM (Sports Network) - The Baltimore Orioles try to open a season with five straight wins for the first time since 1970 this evening, when they continue their three-game series with the Detroit Tigers at Camden Yards.

Baltimore continued its early-season roll on Monday, as Brian Roberts belted a three-run homer to key a four-run fifth inning that helped the Orioles to a 5-1 victory in their home opener.

Baltimore, which was also 4-0 in 1997, has yet to trail this season and has outscored its opponents by a 17-4 margin.

Jake Arrieta (1-0) earned the victory in Monday's game, giving up one run on six hits and two walks in six strong innings. He struck out three in following the fine performances of Jeremy Guthrie, Chris Tillman and Zach Britton, who made starts in Baltimore's three-game sweep of the reigning AL East-champion Tampa Bay Rays over the weekend.

"The starting pitching has been everything you can ask for," said Orioles manager Buck Showalter.

The Orioles allowed just one run in each of those games as well, and the starters have pitched to a 0.69 ERA thus far.

"It's just one of those things where you want to follow their lead," said Arrieta. "We just want to take the ball and run with it. I think each quality outing brings confidence."

Tigers starter Rick Porcello (0-1) took the loss on Monday, giving up all five runs on nine hits in five innings. He walked one and struck out four, but his wild pitch in the bottom of the second scored the other Baltimore run.

Guthrie was supposed to take the hill this evening following his brilliant eight-scoreless inning effort on Opening Day, but he was checked into the hospital Monday after feeling ill and has been diagnosed with pneumonia,

So instead it will be swingman Brad Bergesen getting the call tonight. He was 8-12 with a 4.98 ERA in 30 games, 28 of which have been starts, last season.

"I knew all along that I was here to fill in if needed," Bergesen said. "When we got the bad news that Jeremy wasn't going to be able to make the start, I figured that I was going to get that call. It's upsetting that we've had two of our starters (Guthrie and Brian Matusz) go down. Hopefully, Jeremy will be back with us soon."

Detroit, meanwhile, will turn to ace Justin Verlander, who has owned the Orioles over the course of his young career. The right-hander is a perfect 5-0 in seven starts against them, while pitching to a 2.52 ERA.

Verlander did not get a decision against the New York Yankees on Opening Day last Thursday, as he allowed three runs and three hits in six innings. He also struck out eight and walked four in his team's 6-3 setback.

Baltimore split its 10 matchups with the Tigers last season.