Matusz breezes through 1st inning (but not the 2nd)

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

May 16, 2011, 3:06pm

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FREDERICK. Md. - Orioles left-hander Brian Matusz retired the side in order in the top of the first inning, throwing 10 of his 14 pitches for strikes. Cutter Dykstra, son of former major leaguer Lenny Dykstra, flied to center field on a 1-1 pitch. Jeff Kobernus struck out on three pitches, and Destin Hood shattered his bat while grounding to third base on a 2-2 pitch. The radar gun readings that are posted on the scoreboard don't appear to be accurate. One pitch was clocked at 51 mph. A fastball was clocked at 81 mph. John Stockstill, director of player development, and assistant Tripp Norton are sitting in front of the press box. Update: Matusz threw 23 pitches in the second inning, raising his total to 37. Justin Bloxom flied out on Matusz's first pitch, but Steven Souza walked, stole second base and scored with two outs on Sandy Leon's looping single to left field. All three outs came on fly balls, and Matusz twice went to a full count. When he's missing, it's mostly low. Catcher Brian Ward has been blocking balls in the dirt.