--LF Felix Pie predicted a strong game before Thursday's first pitch, according to manager Dave Trembley. The Orioles staff would like to see the speedy left-handed hitter put more balls in play on the ground rather than in the air so he can utilize his speed to pressure the defense. Pie went 2-for-4 Thursday night.
--C Matt Wieters returned to the lineup at Class AAA Norfolk on Thursday after missing nearly a week with a sore hamstring, and he singled home a run in his first at-bat. The Orioles' top prospect, who left last Friday's game, batted third as the designated hitter Thursday in his return to action. He finished the night 1-for-4. BY THE NUMBERS: 14 -- Players who have played in 1,000 games in an Orioles uniform. 2B Brian Roberts will become No. 15 when he reaches the milestone. He entered the week needing 12 more appearances.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "I know it's a very historic venue. The Green Monster itself is really famous in Japan, but obviously I've only seen it on television. ... Maybe (David) Ortiz is bigger." -- RHP Koji Uehara, via interpreter Jiwon Bang, on his first impressions of Fenway Park.
