Adam Jones smashed a walk-off solo home run off Twins closer Fernando Rodney in the bottom of the 11th inning to give the Orioles a 3-2 win over the Twins on Opening Day.
— Jon Mikkelson (@JMouse83) March 29, 2018
How they got to extras
The Twins were down to their last strike and staring at a loss to the Orioles until Robbie Grossman delivered a pinch-hit, 2-run single to tie the game 2-2 in the ninth inning.
ROBBIE TIES IT!!!
Watch the @Twins on #FOXSportsGO https://t.co/oKpw8jTfUc pic.twitter.com/ap9TY0nG1Z
— FanDuel Sports Network North (@FanDuelSN_NOR) March 29, 2018
Grossman came off the bench in place of Byron Buxton, and the move paid off, but it wouldn’t have been possible without Max Kepler’s 11-pitch walk to the load the bases.
Odorizzi was outstanding
Right-hander Jake Odorizzi debuted with the Twins and locked into a pitcher’s dual with Orioles ace Dylan Bundy, tossing 6 shutout innings while allowing 2 hits and 1 walk while striking out 7.
According to Aaron Gleeman, it was the best Opening Day start for the Twins since Bert Blyleven allowed just 1 run on 6 hits with 8 strikeouts in a complete game loss to the Rangers.
Judging by Game Score, Jake Odorizzi just had the fifth-best Opening Day start in Twins history and the best since Bert Blyleven in 1976.
— Aaron Gleeman (@AaronGleeman) March 29, 2018
Left-hander Zach Duke, one of three bullpen arms the Twins signed in free agency, replaced Odorizzi in the seventh and allowed a 2-run triple to Caleb Joseph to give the Orioles a 2-0 lead.
The Twins and Orioles are back in action Saturday.
