masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgThe Orioles are trying to retrieve Josh Bell’s home run ball.

They hope it’s the first of many.

Bell homered for the first time in 75 major league at-bats, bringing home Felix Pie in the second inning and giving the Orioles a 2-0 lead.

Pie led off with a single and Craig Tatum struck out looking – because it’s the thing to do in this series – before Bell stepped to the plate.

The ball traveled 394 feet to center field. The Orioles would like for it to carry a little further – into his…The Orioles are trying to retrieve Josh Bell’s home run ball.

They hope it’s the first of many.

Bell homered for the first time in 75 major league at-bats, bringing home Felix Pie in the second inning and giving the Orioles a 2-0 lead.

Pie led off with a single and Craig Tatum struck out looking – because it’s the thing to do in this series – before Bell stepped to the plate.

The ball traveled 394 feet to center field. The Orioles would like for it to carry a little further – into his locker.

I guess it was Bell’s turn to be the switch-hitting No. 9 batter to homer off Cliff Lee. Cesar Izturis did it back in Arlington in Lee’s first start with the Rangers.

Bell’s batting from the right side today. The home run will totally mess up his splits.

Pitcher Steve Johnson, who joined Bell in the George Sherrill trade with the Dodgers, starts tonight at Double-A Bowie.

Instant update: The lead didn’t last long. Texas scored twice in the top of the fourth. Vladimir Guerrero had an RBI double and later scored on Bengie Molina’s sacrifice fly.

Instant update II: The tie didn’t last long. Ty Wigginton and Luke Scott hit back-to-back bombs in the bottom of the fourth to give the Orioles a 4-2 lead. Wigginton’s ball traveled an estimated 442 feet into the Orioles’ bullpen, which seems a bit extreme. Scott’s measured 422 feet to right-center field.

Lee has allowed 12 homers this season, including six to the Orioles.

I just received a text message from my sister: “Lugo smiled. Make a note of it.”