Twins at Orioles
Baltimore will try for its third 2-0 start in the last four years when it takes on the Twins in the second of a three-game series at Camden Yards. The Orioles, who haven’t had a winning record since 1997, started 4-0 last season before finishing last in the AL East for the fourth straight time.
The Twins are also hoping for a bounce-back year after going 63-99 in 2011, their worst record since finishing 56-88 in 1995. Last year’s team was decimated by injuries as they sent a league-high 27 players to the disabled list, including catcher Joe Mauer. Minnesota lost the opener 4-2 on Friday after Jake Arrieta held them to only two hits over seven innings. The Orioles won six of eight meetings in 2011.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FS North (Minnesota), MASN (Baltimore)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins LH Francisco Liriano (2011: 9-10, 5.09 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Tommy Hunter (2011: 4-4, 4.68 ERA)
Liriano allowed 24 runs in 23 2/3 innings last April, but could be poised for a more promising start this year after putting together a solid spring. The left-hander posted a 2.33 ERA in Grapefruit League play, striking out 33 and walking only five in 27 innings. Liriano is 2-1 with a 3.38 ERA in four career starts against the Orioles.
Hunter, acquired from the Rangers last August, missed the first part of spring training with a back injury but earned the No. 2 spot in the rotation after stringing together a pair of quality outings in late March. Baltimore likes Hunter’s ability to work deep into games - he lasted six or more innings in nine of 11 starts last year - but needs him to improve upon his career 4.5 ERA.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Twins (30-51) had the second-worst road record in the AL in 2011.
2. Only 11 players from Baltimore’s 25-man opening day roster from last year are back.
3. Nick Markakis went 2-for-3 with a home run and three RBIs for the Orioles in the opener.