On opening day, 2015 Orioles looked a lot like 2014 version

The Orioles' first game of the 2015 season looked like a lot of them we saw during a 96-win 2014 season that ended with an American League East championship.

They got very solid starting pitching, hit homers, turned a nifty double play and played solid defense. The other team made mistakes and the Orioles made them pay for them in a win over Tampa Bay. We've seen it all before. Most nights, it is a formula that will lead to a win.

The Orioles are 12-3 on opening day since 2001. They have won five in a row - three against Tampa Bay - by a combined 23-10 score.

For at least a day, they are off to a good start. I should probably not remind you that they started last season 2-5 - and won the opener then, too. Of course, it got better as the summer wore on.

The Orioles are an organization that clearly values defense. It is hard to put a stat on or truly quantify defense, but the fact the Orioles have an edge here on almost every opponent they play is important both on a daily basis and over 162 games.

Caleb Joseph threw a runner out at second base in the first, the O's recorded an out in a rundown (although it probably took an extra throw or two) in the fourth and Travis Snider threw a runner out at the plate in the fifth. The Orioles turned a quick 5-4-3 double play in the sixth.

Pitching and defense - that combo worked for Earl Weaver and it is still working for Buck Showalter.

It was just one game, but in the leadoff spot, Alejandro De Aza saw 31 pitches in five at-bats. He struck out three times, but he also hit a key two-run homer on the 10th pitch of a great at-bat against Chris Archer in the fifth inning. He fouled off some tough pitches, and when Archer left a changeup in the middle of the plate, De Aza homered. Just what you look to do at bat - spoil the good pitches, hammer the mediocre ones.

The O's hit three homers in the game. Again, one day proves nothing, but I stand by my take that homers will not be an issue for this team. Even without Nelson Cruz and his 40 from last year, this team is going to hit plenty of homers and be among the best in the game at it again in 2015.

This was the sixth time the Orioles have hit three or more homers in an opener:

Four homers: 1982 vs. Kansas City, 2006 vs. Tampa Bay
Three homers: 1964 vs. Chicago, 1973 vs. Milwaukee, 2010 vs. Tampa Bay, 2015 vs. Tampa Bay

Chris Tillman was very good, even if he walked one or two more than we are used to seeing. Hard to nitpick that outing, with one run allowed over 6 2/3 innings. He has now helped the O's to a 2-0 record in opening day starts opposite Jon Lester and Archer.

In the ninth inning last night I tweeted this:

Britton - this is what they call swing and miss stuff.

-- Steve Melewski (@masnSteve) April 6, 2015

Zach Britton looked tremendous yesterday. I think any concern about the league adjusting to him is unfounded. The stuff is that good.

And the long season is under way.

Media day times two: Later this morning I will be at the media day for the Double-A Bowie Baysox and, traffic permitting, make it to Frederick in time this afternoon for the Single-A Frederick Keys' media day, as well. Yes, I am nuts, but it should be fun. Just wanted to mention this so you get a reminder to check back here later today for some news and notes from both Bowie and Frederick.

The Triple-A Norfolk Tides play an exhibition game tonight at home against Norfolk State and the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds play an exhibition at home tonight, hosting Salisbury University. All four full-season O's affiliates open their new seasons on Thursday.