masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgSARASOTA, Fla. – Derrek Lee picked up his first RBI of the spring, in the final exhibition game. He lined a single into center field off Blue Jays left-hander Brett Cecil (Maryland) with two outs in the second inning to score Brian Roberts and give the Orioles a 4-3 lead.

Matt Wieters doubled to score Adam Jones, who reached on a bunt single, and he came home on Brian Roberts’ double. Nick Markakis walked before Lee stepped to the plate.

Koji Uehara struck out two batters in a perfect…SARASOTA, Fla. – Derrek Lee picked up his first RBI of the spring, in the final exhibition game. He lined a single into center field off Blue Jays left-hander Brett Cecil (Maryland) with two outs in the second inning to score Brian Roberts and give the Orioles a 4-3 lead.

Matt Wieters doubled to score Adam Jones, who reached on a bunt single, and he came home on Brian Roberts’ double. Nick Markakis walked before Lee stepped to the plate.

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Koji Uehara struck out two batters in a perfect third inning. He threw 16 pitches, 11 for strikes.

Chris George allowed three runs and five hits in two innings.

Before the game, manager Buck Showalter heaped praise on the city of Sarasota and the renovated Ed Smith Stadium complex. Lots of love in the room.

“We were talking about it in the dugout the other day, the support, the attendance,” Showalter said. “It’s been a great atmosphere. You’re sitting in the clubhouse, and all of a sudden you walk through there and you can see everybody here. It’s meant a lot to us. I hope it grows.

“I was talking to Brady (Anderson) and he said he’s starting to see a lot of people here from Baltimore that used to come years ago. I’m hoping word gets around about what a great facility we have. Hopefully the presentation we make with the fans, it’ll grow more and more. I like the other thing where we play the Phillies and Twins and Yankees and Red Sox, and there’s more orange than anything. I’m just glad they’re coming, period. But I think it’s a testament to the city and all the things that Peter (Angelos) has done to put us in this position. We know it’s not free, but it’s eliminated a real challenge for us.

“It’s only going to get better and better, too, when you see the plans for some of the facility, the fields in the back. Not only are they redoing the locker room, they’re going to tweak some things on the back fields to make it even more workout friendly. That area behind left field, Field 1, there will be some cages going in there and a conditioning track and other things we’ll need.”

Here’s something that should grab your attention: After an absence of more than 15 years, National Bohemian beer will return to Camden Yards for 2011.

The partnership includes a branded Natty Boh Bar on the first base side of the lower concourse and a new Natty Boh Brat, a bratwurst sandwich featuring Baltimore’s own Roma Sausage infused with the taste of National Bohemian beer, sold during home games.

Natty Boh will be served on draft at several locations throughout the stadium and will also be offered as a “Bucket of Boh’s” in suites on the club level. The Natty Boh Bar will offer “Early Bird” specials on Natty Boh at each game.

Stay thirsty, my friends. And please, drink responsibly.