David Aardsma was a big-time closer at Rice University, helping the Owls win a national championship. 

Sports Staff 

A time zone away, the key to the Twins' offense -- perhaps their season -- jogs in a swimming tank, stretches in the trainers' room, catches in the bullpen. 

CHARLOTTE, N. 

AL ROUNDUP ASSOCIATED PRESSScott Kazmir's strong start at Fenway Park held up this time. 

Yankees 11, Orioles 2 

AL ROUNDUP ASSOCIATED PRESSMiguel Cabrera homered twice, Brandon Inge connected for the third consecutive game and the Detroit Tigers beat theTorontoBlueJays, 5-1, for their first victory of the season, last night in Toronto. 

Rarely in the history of Baseball has a team had an Opening Night as onerous as that presented to the folks who work for theOaklandAthletics. 

ANAHEIM On Wednesday night, the A's watched Nick Adenhart throw six scoreless innings at them, impressed by the ability of one of the major leagues' brightest young pitching prospects. 

ANAHEIM On Wednesday night, the A's watched Nick Adenhart throw six scoreless innings at them, impressed by the ability of one of the major leagues' brightest young pitching prospects. 

a's report 

--RHP Chris Jakubauskas, who made his way to the Mariners after four years in the independent leagues, made his big-league debut in the sixth inning Wednesday. 

The Mariners were hurt -- or helped, depending on your point of view -- by the World Baseball Classic this spring, with 11 players off at the WBC. 

If the Mariners are going to go anywhere in the American League West this year, they are going to have to do better getting the third out. 

Carlos Silva loitered around Seattle's clubhouse for a bit, his postgame shower still on hold more than an hour after his night came to an early end.