Kuroda powers past the Orioles.

Hiroki Kuroda's 1st two starts weren't exacted highlight moments. Having to leave in the 2nd inning against the Redsox due to a line drive off his right middle finger. Then only lasting 5 1/3 innings against the Indians.

Kuroda gave Yankee fans a reason to believe on Sunday, by tossing all 9 shutout innings, in the 3-0 win over the Baltimore Orioles.

Throwing 113 pitches, Kuroda was around the strike zone all night. As 79 of his pitches went for strikes, and not a single batter was given a free pass to 1st base. In all, 5 Baltimore hitters went down on strikes.

With all of his pitches working, Kuroda was able to induce 18, yes, eight-teen, groundballs that kept to Yankee infielders busy all night.

Allowing only 5 hits, Kuroda surrendered hits to only 2 of the last 23 batters he faced.

Being no stranger to such complete game performances, Kuroda went all 9 innings three times last season. Including two of which, were shutouts.

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