The Orioles (62-67) host the Tampa Bay Rays (76-52) in game 2 of a three-game series Saturday night at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. It's the second series in two weeks between these two clubs, and the second time in as many tries that Baltimore has a real chance to beat the AL East leaders — the Orioles took three of four from Tampa Bay in their last meeting.
Pete Alonso carried the offense in Friday's series opener, going 2-for-4 with a home run to left-center and three RBI in Baltimore's 5-3 win. Dylan Beavers added a solo home run, and Jackson Holliday contributed an RBI double. Tampa Bay had jumped out to an early 3-1 lead on a two-run homer from Kenny Piper, but Baltimore answered with three runs in the fifth to take the lead for good.
Trevor Rogers was mostly sharp on the mound, working seven innings and striking out six while allowing three earned runs, and Rico Garcia closed it out with a perfect ninth, striking out two for the save.
The win snapped Baltimore's four-game losing streak, but the Orioles actually lost ground in the wild-card race overnight — the Texas Rangers (64-65) won Friday as well, leaving Baltimore two games behind the final AL wild-card spot instead of the game-and-a-half gap the win alone would have suggested.
The Rays sit atop the American League standings and represent one of the tougher tests remaining on Baltimore's schedule, even with Tampa Bay having dropped its last two.
Left-hander Shane McClanahan (9-6, 3.25 ERA) takes the ball for the visitors Saturday. Brandon Young (9-3, 3.52 ERA) counters for Baltimore, and a win would give the Orioles a series victory heading into the finale and keep them within striking distance as the stretch run toward the postseason intensifies.
Probable Starters
Tampa Bay Rays: LHP Shane McClanahan (9-6, 3.25 ERA)
Baltimore Orioles: RHP Brandon Young (9-3, 3.52 ERA)
Where to Watch/Listen
First pitch: 7:05 PM ET at Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Weather: 73°F, Mostly Clear
TV: MASN
Radio: 98 Rock (97.9 FM) and WBAL NewsRadio (AM 1090 / FM 101.5)