The Baltimore Orioles (61-38) defeated the Tampa Bay Rays (61-42) 5-3 on Sunday afternoon. The Orioles earned a series win in the four game series against the Rays, and have now taken a two-game lead in the AL East.
Baltimore built an early 3-0 lead, thanks in part to a Gunnar Henderson two-run homer in the second inning. The Rays were able to bounce back, getting a run in the fourth before Yandy Diaz hit a two-run blast in the fifth to tie the game 3-3.
Unfortunately, the Orioles were able to get to the Rays bullpen, when Ryan O'Hearn homered off Colin Poche in the sixth to take a 4-3 lead. Anthony Santandar drove in a run in the seventh to make it 5-3, which would prove to be the final score.
Taj Bradley got the start and pitched five innings in which he allowed three earned runs on five hits while striking out six and walking one. Poche (7-3, 2.19) was pegged with the loss after allowing the go-ahead homer in the sixth.
The Rays are now off on Monday before beginning a short two-game series with the Miami Marlins on Tuesday night. Tyler Glasnow is expected to start Tuesday for the Rays, opposed by Edward Cabrera for Miami. First pitch Tuesday is scheduled for 6:40 PM - Ronnie & T-Kras begin coverage with the Inside Pitch at 5:30 PM on 95.3 WDAE & AM 620.
PHOTO COURTESY GETTY IMAGES