The Tampa Bay Rays (25-19) defeated the Orioles (17-25) 9-7 on Wednesday night in Baltimore. The win gives the Rays the series win over Baltimore and lifts Tampa Bay to their sixth straight win.
The Orioles took a big leade early in this one - after Trey Mancini hit a solo shot in the first inning, the Os put a four spot on the board in the second inning to build a 5-0 lead. When the Rays answered with a two run homer from Mike Brosseau and a solo shot from Randy Arozarena in the top of the fifth to pull within 5-3, Trey Mancini hit h is second homer of the night in the bottom of the fifth to make it 6-3 Baltimore.
The Rays were able to tie the game in the top of the seventh when Ji-Man Choi came through with a pinch hit RBI single to drive in Kevin Kiermaier, who was making his return from the injured list. Moments later Randy Arozarena tied the game with a two-run shot that made it 6-6. Ji-Man Choi broke the toie in the eighth inning with another RBI single, before Randy Arozarena hit his second home run a few moments later to give the Rays now hot offense nine runs. That would prove to be enough as the Rays picked up the 9-7 win.
Ryan Yarbrough pitched six innings allowing six runs, three of them earned on seven hits while striking out two and walking two. Ryan Thompson (3-2, 2.25) picked up the win out of the bullpen after pitching a scoreless seventh inning in which he struck out three. Pete Fairbanks also recorded the save, his first of the season.
The Rays will now look to sweep the Orioles in the series finale on Thursday afternoon. First pitch is scheduled for 12:35 - pregame coverage begins at high noon on 95.3 WDAE & AM 620.
PHOTO COURTESY GETTY IMAGES