Long first inning for Matusz

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

March 23, 2011, 3:40pm

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FORT MYERS, Fla. - Good thing the Orioles relaxed their facial-hair policy, or half the team would be in violation right now. The Twins forced Brian Matusz to throw 34 pitches in the first inning, 18 for strikes. Matusz had four full counts, walked two batters, gave up a hit and fell behind, 1-0. Denard Span walked and stole second base without a throw. Tsuyoshi Nishioka laid down a sacrifice bunt, and Span scored on Joe Mauer's sharp grounder down the third base line. Mark Reynolds made a nice lunging stop and throw to record the out. Justin Morneau walked and Delmon Young singled to extend the inning. Alberto Castillo began warming in the bullpen as Matusz faced Jason Kubel, who flied to left. Adam Jones and Vladimir Guerrero singled off Twins left-hander Francisco Liriano in the first inning. Reynolds struck out in the second, raising his total to 19, but Nolan Reimold walked and Craig Tatum punched a single into right field. Derrek Lee's still looking for his first hit after striking out in the first. Brian Roberts has struck out twice.