More Markakis (Arrieta's done)

Yes, Nick Markakis will be ready for opening day. (Sorry, just catching up on some old blog comments.) Markakis has hit a two-run homer, walked and delivered a run-scoring triple to help the Orioles to a 4-0 lead in the seventh inning. Markakis just slid hard into Twins catcher Joe Mauer while trying unsuccessfully to score on Matt Wieters' fly ball to left. He jumped to his feet and headed to the dugout. The impact didn't bother him. Another hurdle cleared. Markakis hasn't produced this many RBIs since he collected four on Aug. 14 against the Tigers. He's already matched his triple total from last season. Meanwhile, Jake Arrieta returns for the seventh with his pitch count at 79 (51 strikes). He's allowed two hits over six scoreless innings, with one walk and three strikeouts. A part of me wants Kevin Gregg in this game. It would be a chance for him to respond to the pregame booing. You don't have to agree. Update: We can agree on this: Arrieta was outstanding today. Arrieta allowed two hits over seven scoreless innings, with two walks and four strikeouts. He threw 97 pitches, 60 for strikes. One hit didn't leave the infield. Last year, Arrieta was 5-0 with a 3.09 ERA against the AL Central. Matt Lindstrom is making his Orioles debut.