The Birds come to visit Hammond Stadium, the first of a two-game set for the Twins. They will jump over the highway to JetBlue Stadium today. Joe Christensen provides us with the day game's lineup:

 

ORIOLES (7-7)

1. Robert Andino, 2B

2. Wilson Betemit, LF

3. J.J. Hardy, SS

4. Chris Davis, 1B

5. Adam Jones, CF

6. Mark Reynolds, 3B

7. Ronny Paulino, DH

8. Jai Miller, RF

9. John Hester, C

Starting pitcher: RH Chris Tillman

TWINS (4-6)

1. Denard Span, CF

2. Tsuyoshi Nishioka, SS

3. Danny Valencia, 3B

4. Chris Parmelee, 1B

5. Ryan Doumit, DH

6. Rene Tosoni, RF

7. Luke Hughes, 2B

8. Rene Rivera, C

9. Ben Revere, LF

Starting pitcher: Nick Blackburn

 

A lineup with Nishioka - who was just lambasted as looking "lost" this spring by Buster Olney - who is playing short today and trying to prove Olney and the evaluators wrong. Keep an eye on that. Also, look to see if Blackburn's adjustments continues to pay off for him.

should we have signed andy pettitte?

should we have signed andy pettitte?

No, Brad Radke. Slightly younger and able to pitch to contact better.

In contrast to the 10-run first inning yesterday, Twins shut out the Orioles today. Baby steps...

pettitte is younger by like 4 months.

pettitte is younger by like 4 months.

You're right, strike that, reverse that.

Twins amass a potential rally in the bottom of the inning - thanks to a Span infield hit, a Nishioka sac and a Chris Parmelee walk. Doumit strands Span on third with an inning-ended ground out to JJ Hardy.

Dan Gladden lauded catcher Rene Riviera has being really good at getting the ball back to the pitcher quickly. That's a skill that is not emphasized enough...

Luke Hughes is granted a double after left fielder Wilson Betemit called off shortstop JJ Hardy on a shallow fly ball only to have it fall to the turf.

Before we get too excited...

Last Spring Blackburn went 3-1 with 1.73 ERA 1.08 WHIP 3 BB and 11 K in 26 IP. One thing though, he seems to get swings and misses this Spring, unlike times past, which is a good thing to see. Maybe Blac_burn found his K finally.

Before we get too excited...

Last Spring Blackburn went 3-1 with 1.73 ERA 1.08 WHIP 3 BB and 11 K in 26 IP. One thing though, he seems to get swings and misses this Spring, unlike times past, which is a good thing to see. Maybe Blac_burn found his K finally.

So you're saying I should have held off on purchasing a Blackburn jersey for every day of the week, then?

Blackburn better today than last outing.

 

Hughes with a RBI on a force out. Would like to have gotten more in that situation.

Fifth inning: Blackburn out, Brian Duensing in.

The news stories SHOULD say "Blackburn Sharp" in their headlines regarding this game. Last time out that was far from the truth yet was a headline.

Per Phil Mackey:

 

This may or may not be worth noting (too early, too small of sample), but Blackburn's spring contact rate is 75%. His career rate is 89%.

Revere with another failed bunt attempt. Work with Carew some more!

Robert Andino knots the score at one with a solo homer off of new Twins pitcher Carlos Gutierrez.

Former Twin Steve Tolleson is now in the game for the Birds.

Burton gives up 2 runs, 1 earned(wilkin ramierez E) , 2 hits and a pair of walks in the 8th.