Davis homers as Gallardo, Orioles beat Twins 4-2

BALTIMORE (AP) Chris Davis homered to back an effective pitching performance by Yovani Gallardo in his Orioles debut, and Baltimore beat the Minnesota Twins 4-2 Wednesday night at chilly Camden Yards.

Davis, the reigning major league home run champ, hit a solo shot to deep center off Kyle Gibson (0-1) in the third inning to put the Orioles ahead for good. Davis also scored the winning run in the season opener and is off to a strong start after receiving a $161 million, seven-year contract in January.

Gallardo (1-0) allowed one run and two hits in five innings, striking out four and walking three. The right-hander signed a $22 million, two-year contract in February after pitching for Texas last season.

Zach Britton, the last of four Baltimore relievers, struck out the side in the ninth for his first save.