FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - No further proof is necessary that major league baseball is a global sport after yesterday's exhibition game between the Orioles and the Dominican Republic team that will compete in the World Baseball Classic.
Japanese right-hander Koji Uehara pitched an impressive three innings for the Orioles, validating their new commitment to international scouting, and a raucous group of fans wearing the colors of the Dominican team had Fort Lauderdale Stadium rocking to a Latin beat for the 2009 debut of legendary pitcher Pedro Martinez.
"I loved the atmosphere," Orioles designated hitter Luke Scott said. "It reminded me of winter ball, which is a great experience. Lots of passion, the fans get really into it. One of the best times I've ever had was in 2005 in Venezuela. It was fun; that's the best way to describe it. Baseball is at its purest when guys are out there having fun."
The Orioles beat the Dominican Republic, 6-1, in a game that doesn't count toward Grapefruit League statistics or standings. Ty Wigginton was the offensive star with two hits, including a tape-measure three-run home run off Cincinnati Reds rising star Johnny Cueto that soared over the left-field wall and landed halfway to third base on one of the back fields at the Orioles' spring complex.
In his second start this spring, Uehara allowed two hits and struck out two in three scoreless innings. In five scoreless innings this spring, he has surrendered three hits and one walk, hit a batter and struck out five. After the outing, the Orioles' first Japanese player bemoaned control problems despite throwing 23 of his 36 pitches for strikes.
But he said he was otherwise pleased with the results against a lineup that included stars Hanley Ramirez, David Ortiz and Miguel Tejada.
"I understand there are a lot of big-name players," Uehara said through his interpreter, Jiwon Bang. "To get that kind of results, I'm happy with that. I have experience pitching in international competition, and I love the opportunity against the big, huge hitters."
A pro-Dominican crowd, which spent part of the game banging on bongos, singing songs and raising Dominican flags, gave Ortiz a loud ovation when he came to bat for the first time. The buzz grew louder as the Boston Red Sox slugger took a violent swing at one of Ue-hara's pitches and sent a high drive that was caught by Orioles right fielder Nick Markakis in front of the warning track.
