Nelson Cruz on his homer and other clubhouse quotes

The Orioles improved to 39-22 all-time on opening day with today's win over Boston. They have won 11 of their last 14 openers, including the last four in a row. Here are more clubhouse quotes from the 2-1 victory. Nelson Cruz on his homer off Jon Lester that broke a 1-1 tie: "I was looking for a pitch I could drive, especially a fastball. The first two at-bats,I took the first two pitches for strikes. I was hoping he'd throw me the first pitch for a strike again. "He's a great pitcher, one of the elite pitchers in the league. But it's baseball and anything can happen. Great game, great pitching and everyone did their job." cruz-pie2.jpgDid Cruz hear the crowd chanting his name? "It was a shock, but thanks to the fans for the support. That was really special. I think, like I've said before, I made the right call to come and be part of this organization and this town." Could Cruz think of a better O's debut? "I don't think so. I tried to dream about a good start. The dream came true." Zach Britton on his outing and the win: "It was my first time coming in as a reliever in the big leagues. I was definitely nervous. Some balls were a little up, but I was able to locate some pitches when I got behind. Was able to throw some good sinkers. Defense was outstanding as always and Tommy (Hunter) shuts the door. It was a great outing for everybody pitching-wise and Nelly came up big with that home run. "The fans showing up today was big. The O in the anthem, that started it off for us. Great to get that win on opening day in front of the crowd." Ryan Flaherty on the victory: "It was a good game all-around. Little pitching, little hitting, little defense. You have to bring your A game when you play these guys and we did that today." Chris Davis on beating Boston to start the year: "That is huge. Anytime you start at home, you want to give the fans a good showing and a good win. It was a good all-around win. "The adrenaline was going early, but everyone settled down after that. We know this is a tough division. You get in a one-run game, you will probably see that a lot this year in the AL East." Davis on Hunter closing it out: "That was huge. I know he expects a lot out of himself and to be in that situation, to see him step up to the challenge, is huge. I think it's a sign of things to come for him."



Hunter passes the first test, Britton on new role ...
Showalter speaks after 2-1 win
 

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