Posted by Sabrina B. @gametimegirl

For all the hype about the additions the Orioles made to their lineup during the offseason, the most productive player thus far is the one who’s worn a Baltimore uniform the longest: leadoff batter Brian Roberts.

Roberts hit a three-run homer, Jake Arrieta allowed one run in six innings and the unbeaten Orioles thrilled a sellout crowd in their home opener by defeating theDetroit Tigers 5-1 Monday.

On a gorgeous afternoon at Camden Yards, Baltimore extended a surprising winning streak that began with a three-game sweep at Tampa Bay. Off to its best start since 1997, the Orioles (4-0) have not yet trailed, haven’t given up more than one run in a game and have outscored the competition 17-4.

With the score tied at 1 in the fifth, Felix Pie walked and went to third on a double by J.J. Hardy before Roberts hit a 1-2 pitch from Rick Porcello (0-1) over the wall in right-center. Roberts has Baltimore’s only two home runs this season and has a team-high eight RBIs.

Since making his debut with the Orioles in 2001, Roberts has never been a part of a winner. But he’s played in two All-Star games and has built a reputation as one of the finest leadoff hitters in the game.

“Robby seems to have been able to dial up what was needed, whether it be a stolen base, a walk, whatever,” manager Buck Showalter said. “He’s got a feel for being able to challenge the moment. He’s really had some big hits for us early in the year.”

Roberts knows that a 4-0 start means little, but he wasn’t going to downplay it, either.

“I don’t think anybody’s ever had a bad 4-0 start,” he said. “It’s been awesome. I certainly have been through a lot. We all know that. But with the expectations coming into this year, to still be able to go out there and do that, it’s been great for us.”

With a crowd of 46,593 looking on, the Orioles continued their solid play under Showalter. Baltimore went 34-23 after he took over last year, and the offseason acquisitions of Derrek Lee, Vladimir Guerrero, Hardy and Mark Reynolds have Orioles fans hopeful that the team’s run of 13 straight losing seasons will end in 2011.

The players are starting to think that way, too.

WRITTEN BY STATS LLC and The Associated Press & FULL STORY HERE