masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgWhat a performance by Jeremy Guthrie.

After going 8-4 with an ERA of 2.76 after the All-Star break last year, Guthrie opened the 2011 season with eight brilliant, shutout innings tonight in a 4-1 win over Tampa. Ben Zobrist homered off Jim Johnson leading off the last of the ninth to get Tampa’s only run.

Guthrie gave up just three hits with one walk and six strikeouts. Tampa batters went just 3-for-26 against him. Johnny Damon, Evan Longoria and Manny Ramirez were a combined 0-for-9 vs….What a performance by Jeremy Guthrie.

After going 8-4 with an ERA of 2.76 after the All-Star break last year, Guthrie opened the 2011 season with eight brilliant, shutout innings tonight in a 4-1 win over Tampa. Ben Zobrist homered off Jim Johnson leading off the last of the ninth to get Tampa’s only run.

Guthrie gave up just three hits with one walk and six strikeouts. Tampa batters went just 3-for-26 against him. Johnny Damon, Evan Longoria and Manny Ramirez were a combined 0-for-9 vs. Guthrie.

Jeremy Guthrie talks about his outstanding outing against the Rays

Guthrie had pitched well vs. Tampa last year, going 2-2 with an ERA of 2.73. Over his last three starts vs. Tampa, Guthrie has allowed just two earned runs over 21 frames.

The Orioles improved to 36-22 all-time in season openers as they began their 58th season tonight. The O’s are 8-3 in openers since 2001.

It was a great start to the O’s season and the Birds are now 35-23 for a winning percentage of .603 since Buck Showalter took over as manager.

Coming up at 10 p.m., join me for the Baltimore Baseball Tonight post-game show on 105,7 FM, the Fan in Baltimore. Call in to talk about this win and you can llisten online at 1057thefan.com.