By. Patrick Cavey

The Baltimore Orioles lost Wednesday’s game in Tampa 7-2 to the Rays. The Baltimore offense was limited to just two solo homeruns and four hits overall in the game. The team will need to generate more offense if they expect to catch and overtake the Rays in the AL East. The Orioles are currently 5.0 games (3 in the loss column) behind Tampa Bay in the standings.

Ramon Urias (1 for 3, 1 HR, 1 Run, 1 RBI) homered in the third inning and Gunnar Henderson (2 for 4, 1 HR, 1 Run, 1 RBI) did the same in the ninth.

Ryan O’Hearn (1 for 4) accounted for the only other Baltimore hit and was one of seven Orioles starters to strike out against Tampa Bay pitchers. Austin Hays (0 for 3) and Adam Frazier (0 for 3) did not strikeout and no Orioles hitter was able to work a walk.

The game turned in the second inning when starter Tyler Wells (6-3) allowed back to back homeruns to Randy Arozarena and Isaac Paredes to open the inning. A fielding error by Wells, a walk and a single plated two more Tampa Bay runs. Wells, the losing pitcher, finished his 5.0 inning start by allowing 4 runs, 2 earned, on 4 hits (2 HR) with 3 walks and 6 strikeouts.

Keegan Akin (1.2 IP, 2 R, 3 H, 2 K) and Cole irvin (1.0 IP, 1 R, 2 H, 1 BB, 2 K) were less than effective in relief. Manager Brandon Hyde did say post-game that Irvin will get a start over the next few games, however.

BOX SCORE

2023 Record: 45-28

Next Game: Fri. 6/23 @ 7:05 pm vs. Seattle Mariners @ OPACY