Sunday’s 2-1 win by the Baltimore Orioles over the Tampa Bay Rays was significant because it gave the Orioles a second series win over the Rays in 2022. Just one year ago, the Orioles had a 1-18 record against the Rays; their 2022 record against the Rays is 4-5. A second series win is significant because the naysayers will not be able to say the series in May, when the Birds won 2 of 3, was a fluke.
The Orioles used a total of seven pitchers to navigate through the contest; an unitentional use of Tampa’s modus operandi. Scheduled starter, Jordan Lyles, was a late scratch due to illness so in his place, Austin Voth took the bump. Voth allowed 3 hits, walked 1 and struck out 4 in 2.2 innings of work.
Bryan Baker followed and allowed the 1 Tampa Bay run on 2 hits while walking 2 and striking out 1 in 1.0 inning.
Nick Vespi (2-0) struck out 2 in 1.1 innings and was credited with the win.
Michael Baumann, Felix Bautista, and Cionel Perez held Tampa Bay scoreless and finally, Jorge Lopez (1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 Balk) earned his 11th save, a special save because his son was in attendance at Oriole Park for Father’s Day.
Anthony Santander went 2 for 2 with a homerun, 1 run scored, 1 RBI and a walk.
Cedric Mullins went 1 for 4 with a double and 1 RBI.
Ryan McKenna went 1 for 3 with a run scored.
Jorge Mateo went 0 for 2, was hit by a pitch and stole a base. The 8th inning hit by pitch appeared to bounce up into his throat area.
2022 Record: 30-38