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Orioles stay hot, rout Rangers

Apr 8, 2008 - 11:06 PM ARLINGTON, Texas (Ticker) -- Leaving Camden Yards did nothing to cool off the surprising Baltimore Orioles.

Brian Burres allowed one run in six-plus innings Tuesday as the Orioles continued their best start in a decade with an 8-1 victory over the Texas Rangers.

Expected to be one of baseball's worst teams, Baltimore spoiled the Rangers' home opener while improving to 6-1 - its best start since opening the 1998 season 7-1.

"I've always said this game is built on pitching, defense and timely hitting," Baltimore manager Dave Trembley said. "If you can get two out of three, you've got a chance to win. If you get all three, then you're going to win, and right now we're getting all three."

Burres was a different pitcher than the one who allowed eight runs while retiring just two batters in his last appearance against the Rangers on August 22.

"I definitely remembered it," Burres said. "A game like today definitely makes me feel a little better about facing them."

Burres (1-0) got plenty of support as Aubrey Huff tied a career high with four hits and drove in four runs. Scott Moore and Luke Scott each homered as part of the Orioles' 12-hit attack.

"Hands down, it's more fun now than at any time last year," Huff said. "We're playing good baseball now."

Baltimore knocked out Texas starter Jason Jennings (0-2) in the fifth, reaching him for four runs and seven hits in 4 2/3 innings.

"They were very disciplined at the plate and weren't swinging at any bad pitches," Jennings said. "You can't nibble all day long. You've got to challenge the hitters. It's obvious they're in a really good groove right now."

Burres escaped a first-and-third, no-out threat in the second, then battled his way out of a bases-loaded jam in the fourth.

"He competed and didn't give in, especially the second and third time around the order," Trembley said. "He really solidified what he can do for us this year."

"They're a tough hitting team and this goes a long way to building my confidence as we start the season," Burres added.

The Orioles grabbed a 2-0 lead in the second on Moore's solo homer and Brian Roberts' RBI single. They made it 4-0 in the third on Scott's two-run shot.

Huff delivered a two-run double in the sixth and added a two-run single in the eighth.

The Rangers plated their only run in the seventh on Ian Kinsler's RBI single.