The first inning (updated twice)

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

March 31, 2010, 8:22am

Comments

I won't track all nine innings separately, but the first one is noteworthy because it includes the beginning of Chris Tillman's latest start and the first at-bat for Brian Roberts. Tillman retired all three batters he faced. Denard Span struck out looking, Alexi Casilla bounced to first and Michael Cuddyer grounded to short. Pretty routine. Tillman threw 13 pitches, seven for strikes. Roberts led off the bottom of the first immediately after his video tribute and heartfelt speech. OK, I'm kidding. But he did receive a nice ovation by spring training standards. Roberts fell behind 0-2 to Twins starter Scott Baker. He took a pitch way outside, then struck out looking. He walked back to the dugout. He sat down. He'll soon reach for his glove. Update: Now he's watching Jacque Jones' fly ball clear the fence in right-center field with nobody out and the count full. Twins 1, Orioles 0. Update II: Tillman didn't allow another run, in part because catcher Craig Tatum threw out Brendan Harris trying to steal, but he needed 32 pitches (17 strikes) to get through the inning. He gave up two hits and walked two batters. He struck out Matt Tolbert to end the inning.