The Tampa Bay Rays (33-15) defeated the Baltimore Orioles (21-29) 5-3 on Wednesday afternoon at Tropicana Field. With the win, the Rays have now won four in a row and finished 5-1 on their six game homestand, including a three-game sweep over the Orioles.
Hunter Feduccia hit his first major league homer in the second inning to give the Rays an early 1-0 lead. Baltimore answered with one in the third and two in the sixth and would lead the game 3-1 going into the late innings.
In the eighth inning with the Orioles still leading 3-1, Tampa Bay was able to mount a comeback. Jonathan Aranda came up with runners on first and third and two out and came through with a two-run double that tied the game 3-3. Moments later Richie Palacios broke the tie with a RBI single that made it 4-3. The Rays added insurance when they were able to successfully complete a double steal - with Ryan Vilade stealing home while Palacios stole second - that made it 5-3, which would prove to be the final score.
Steven Matz got the start and allowed one earned run on three hits in his four innings of work in which he struck out five and walked two. Jesse Scholtens (5-2, 3.22) picked up the win out of the bullpen, allowing two earned runs on six hits in his four innings of work in which he struck out four and walked one. Ian Seymour worked a perfect 1-2-3 ninth inning to earn his second save of the year.
The Rays are now off on Thursday before going on the road for a six-game homestand which begins against the Yankees on Friday night. First pitch between the Rays and Yankees is scheduled for 7:05 PM on Friday night at Yankee Stadium - pregame coverage begins with Ronnie Lane hosting Inside Pitch at 6:00 PM on 95.7 WDAE & AM 620, your Home of Rays Baseball.
COVER PHOTO COURTESY GETTY IMAGES