The Tampa Bay Rays (24-20) blew out the Baltimore Orioles (17-24) 13-6 on Tuesday evening in Baltimore.
The Rays got a pair of three-run homers in the second inning - one from Brett Phillips, the other from Austin Meadows - to take control of the game early. Mike Zunino homered twice - a two run shot in the third, and a two-run shot in the fifth, to ensure the Orioles would be unable to rally.
Luis Patino allowed four earned runs on six hits while striking out six and walking two in three and a third innings in the start. Andrew Kittredge (4-0, 1.37) picked up the win after pitching a scoreless inning and two thirds out of the bullpen.
The Rays now look to make it six wins in a row when they meet the Orioles in game two of the three game series on Wednesday night. First pitch Wednesday is scheduled for 7:05 PM - pregame coverage begins with Jay Recher and the Inside Pitch at 6 on 95.3 WDAE & AM 620.
PHOTO COURTESY GETTY IMAGES