The Tampa Bay Rays (80-48) defeated the Baltimore Orioles (40-87) 6-3 on Friday night in Baltimore. The Rays improved to 16-1 against Baltimore this season, setting a record for most wins against a single opponent in a season.
The Rays got three runs in the first inning with RBI singles from Yandy Diaz and Manuel Margot. After Austin Hays hit a two run homer in the fourth inning to pull within 3-2, Mike Zunino hit a three-run homer in the seventh inning to give the Rays a cushion. Baltimore got one back in the ninth but could get no closer than 6-3, which would be the final score.
Shane McClanahan (9-4, 3.59) allowed two earned runs on eight hits in six innings of work while striking out four and walking none. Chris Mazza pitched the final three innings, allowing just one run, to pick up his first career save.
The Rays now look to stay hot and win the series against Baltimore in the second game on Saturday night. First pitch from Camden Yards is scheduled for 7:05 PM - pregame coverage begins with Neil Solondz at 6:30 PM on 95.3 WDAE & AM 620.
PHOTO COURTESY GETTY IMAGES