Rays overcome early 2-0 deficit, defeat Orioles

Tampa Bay 6 Baltimore Orioles 2

Recap Box Score


The Baltimore Orioles looked like they might take control of the game right off the bat after a 2-run double by Kevin Millar, but those were the only runs they would score in a 6-2 loss to the Tampa Bay (don't call me Devil) Rays.

A Melvin Mora fielding error led to the Rays first run to cut the Orioles lead to 2-1, then B.J. Upton would put the Rays up for good with a 2-run single and the Rays never looked back. Eric Hinske homered for the Rays in the 4th, his first of the season.

Jeremy Guthrie, who the Orioles were hoping would take the #1 spot in the rotation and run with it since the departure of Erik Bedard, struggled mightily in his first start. He went 5 1/3 innings, giving up 6 runs (5 ER) on 9 hits a walk and 2 strikeouts. Opposite Guthrie, James Shields had an impressive first start, getting the win for the Rays. He went 7 innings giving up 2 runs on 5 hits, walking 3 and striking out 2.

Contrary to last season, the Baltimore Orioles' bullpen was surprisingly strong. Matt Albers and Brian Burres combined for 3 1/3 shutout innings after Jeremy Guthrie departed, giving up just 1 hit.

The two teams will play the 2nd of the 3 game set in Baltimore tomorrow. Matt Garza will go for the Rays, Daniel Cabrera for the Orioles. Game time is 7:05pm EST.