Jason Hammel Makes Memorable Debut with Baltimore

     Jason Hammel just wanted one more chance to prove that he could be an effective Major League starter. He was traded away by the Tampa Bay Rays for an almost shamefully after the 2008 season. Hammel was then moved to the Rockies' bullpen in mid-August before he was dealt to the Orioles this winter as part of the trade for right-hander Jeremy Guthrie.
     Following his first start of this spring, Hammel talked about  his time in the bullpen -- where he made seven appearances for the entire rest of 2011 -- and how it allowed him to reflect on his career. He since vowed to become a more aggressive pitcher this season by relying on his strengths rather than each hitter's weakness.
     The newly found confidence -- along with a muched  improved two-seam fastball -- was on full display as Hammel dominated the Minnesota Twins, allowing just one run over eight innings in the Orioles' 3-1 win.
      Hammel entered the game with a career 6.28 ERA in three starts at Camden Yards -- followed up impressive starts by Jake Arrieta and Tommy Hunteras well by holding the Twins completely hitless through the first seven innings. Working off fastballs, Hammel faced the minimum number of batters til two doubles in the eighth inning cost him a no-hit and a shutout.
     The possibility of a no-hitter creeped into Hammel's mind after he got through the sixth inning. He took the mound in the eighth inning after having thrown just 77 pitches. The no-hitter ended when Justin Morneau delivered a double to right field, and the shutout up to that point was lost when Morneau scored on Josh Willingham's double.
     After allowing the Twins to get a run, Hammel didn't give up, but finished the inning and picked up two more strikeouts. He become the third consecutive Orioles pitcher to go seven or more innings to start the season. Baltimore last accomplished that feat back in 2001.
     Hammel exited to a standing ovation from a crowd of 14,738 in favor of closer Jim Johnson, who recorded his second save of this season.
    

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