April 04, 2009|By Dan Connolly
Uehara excels
The Orioles' Koji Uehara saved his best performance for last this spring against the Washington Nationals in Norfolk, Va. Uehara dominated in six innings, allowing just one hit - a two-run homer that Ryan Zimmerman golfed around the left-field foul pole. Uehara retired 10 straight to start the game, walked Nick Johnson and allowed Zimmerman's homer before setting down the final eight. He struck out three, throwing 73 pitches, including 15 of 20 first-pitch strikes. Afterward, the club presented him with a cake to celebrate his 34th birthday.
Bringing out worst
Former Oriole Daniel Cabrera had allowed just four earned runs and three walks in three previous games for the Nationals. On Friday, he gave up five earned runs on four hits and four walks in five innings. At times, he looked like the frustrating old Cabrera, surrendering a towering two-run homer to Nick Markakis and allowing a run-scoring triple to Brian Roberts, hitting a batter and unleashing a wild pitch.
On deck
The Orioles complete their exhibition season at 6:05 tonight against the Nationals in the nation's capital. Alfredo Simon will make his final appearance before he starts Thursday afternoon against the Yankees. Right-hander Shairon Martis starts against the Orioles, who have a workout Sunday and begin the regular season Monday.
