Orioles Take Opener

As Justin Morneau and Tsuyoshi Nishioka were forced out of the lineup once again due to injuries, Michael Cuddyer returned for the opening game of the Twins' series against the Baltimore Orioles.  Carl Pavano took the mound opposite Zach Britton, who was making his first start since coming off the disabled list. The Twins collected six hits and drew four walks while Britton was pitching, but managed to score just one run--on an RBI groundout by Joe Mauer--in those five innings.  For the game, they went 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position.

On the other side, Pavano surrendered four runs over seven innings, including serving up a home run to former Twin J.J. Hardy.  With the Twins down 4-1 with two outs in the seventh and a runner on second, Ben Revere came to Pavano and the Twins' aid with an incredible over-the-shoulder catch as he slammed into the centerfield fence.  That was just about the only highlight for the Twins as they dropped the opening game of the series 4-1 to the hapless Orioles.  Cuddyer earned the game ball in his return with two doubles and a walk in four trips to the plate.