O's get first win...

If the Orioles win a game, and no one is there to see it, does it still count?

The Orioles came from behind to beat the Tampa Bay Rays 9-6 to earn their first win of the 2008 season in front of approximately 10,000 fans. To say there were half that number in the stands is a gross exaggeration.

But that's beside the point. Attendance is bound to scrape all-time lows this year, at least until some drastic roster changes are made to make the team younger and more exciting.

But the current roster managed to be pretty damn exciting last night. Enjoy it while it lasts.

Daniel Cabrera, making his first start of the year, struggled as usual, with a line of 4 IP, 6 ER, 5 BB, and 2 K. He displayed poor mechanics and struggled with runners on base. Just par for the course for Daniel. If he keeps this up he won't be in the rotation for long with talented prospects in Liz, Penn and Olson down on the farm.

But the offense bailed Cabrera out after being down 3-0 and 6-3 and mounted a rare 8th inning comeback for the win.

Aubrey Huff quieted the boo's from the crowd (he made a disparaging passing remark about Baltimore on a radio show during the offseason) going 2-4 with a triple, a HR and 4 RBI.

Nick Markakis had 2 hits and an RBI and new-comer Adam Jones pitched in, getting his first hit, RBI and stolen base as an Oriole.

After Cabrera was taken out of the game with the bases loaded in the 5th inning, Rule 5 draft pick Randor Bierd came in and looked great, getting out of the inning allowing only one run to score, which was on a double play. He pitched a scoreless 6th inning too. Chad Bradford pitched a scoreless 7th and Jamie Walker earned the win when he pitched a scoreless 8th.

Flat-brimmed closer, George Sherrill, pitched a nerve-wracking 9th inning, walking two batters, but he was able to close the game without any damage. He looks like a cross between Randy Myers and B.J. Ryan.

After 2 games, the bullpen looks much-improved from last season.

And one has to enjoy each win as much as they can, because they are sure to be rare this season.