The Baltimore Orioles weren't counting on seeing highly-touted southpaw prospect Zach Britton this early in the season. But then they had to place Brian Matusz on the DL and call Britton up as a replacement, and all the kid did on Sunday was help the O's finish off a three-game season-opening road sweep of the Tampa Bay Rays.
Orioles Vs. Rays: Zach Britton Excels In Debut As Baltimore Completes Road Sweep
Britton - Baseball America’s 28th-best prospect in baseball before the year - threw 96 pitches over six strong innings in his Major League debut, allowing a run on three hits and three walks while racking up six strikeouts. The Rays’ lone run scored on a bunt single, and Britton managed 17 swinging strikes while working off his fastball.
Meanwhile, the Orioles' lineup did enough damage against Wade Davis, with a three-run seventh inning putting Baltimore on top for good. Mark Reynolds and J.J. Hardy each delivered RBI doubles in the frame. Reynolds chipped in with another RBI double in the ninth.
Three Orioles relievers combined to close the game out, and for the series, Baltimore outscored Tampa Bay 12-3. The O's now go home to face the Tigers, while Tampa Bay stays at home to take on the Angels.
For more on the Orioles and Rays, please check out team blogs Camden Chat and DRays Bay.
See More:
