The Orioles erased an early deficit with a decisive second inning, then pulled away for a 6-1 victory over Tampa Bay at Camden Yards. Baltimore answered the Rays' opening run with three straight scores in the second, setting the tone for a commanding win.
Shane Baz dominated over seven innings, allowing 7 hits and 1 run while striking out 9 batters. The right-hander walked 2 and threw 99 pitches to earn his second win of the season. Carrying a 4.34 ERA, Baz controlled the strike zone and kept Tampa Bay's offense quiet after the first inning.
The pivotal second inning began when Alexander grounded into a fielder's choice that scored Basallo, with Jackson reaching safely on Palacios' fielding error. Holliday then singled to left, bringing Taveras home to give Baltimore the lead. Ward's sacrifice fly to center completed the three-run frame, scoring Jackson for a 3-1 advantage. Basallo delivered the decisive blow in the fifth, launching a three-run homer to right center that scored Holliday and Henderson.
Griffin Jax absorbed the loss for Tampa Bay, allowing 3 runs over 2 innings despite striking out 3. Trevor Martin started for the Rays and pitched 3 innings, giving up 3 runs though none were earned due to defensive miscues. Jonathan Aranda provided Tampa Bay's lone bright spot with a 3-for-4 performance, including the RBI single that scored Simpson in the first inning.
Baltimore snapped a losing streak to improve to 24-30, while Tampa Bay's two-game skid dropped them to 34-17. The Rays remain atop their division despite the setback.