Analyzing the home opener

Orioles Home Opener

Honoring Ripken

In what likely will be the first of several Cal Ripken Jr. lovefests in 2007, the Orioles legend, who will be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in July, was introduced before the game and threw out the first pitch. His ovation from the crowd - on a day always filled with ovations - was the loudest. For the record, his toss from the mound to shortstop Miguel Tejada at home plate made it on the fly.

Sellout crowd

The announced attendance of 48,159 tickets sold was a sellout, and the second-largest Opening Day crowd in Camden Yards history, falling short of 2005's 48,271. It wasn't shoulder to shoulder, though. The lower seating bowl was packed, but hundreds of empty seats were visible in the upper deck.

The dominant Cabrera

Although he has been inconsistent in his brief big league career, Daniel Cabrera certainly has had his moments of brilliance. Yesterday was one of them. Facing the American League champion Detroit Tigers, Cabrera lasted into the eighth inning. He allowed seven hits and two earned runs while striking out five for his first win of 2007. Perhaps most impressive, Cabrera didn't walk anyone all afternoon. That's the first time he has done that since June 5, 2005 - also against the Tigers.