The Baltimore Orioles began a crucial four-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays (74-47) at Tropicana Field Friday night. Leading 6-2 going into the bottom of the ninth inning, the Orioles surrendered three runs to the Rays to come out with a tense 6-5 win over the AL East leaders.
Yennier Cano began the ninth inning by surrendering back-to-back singles to Richie Palacios and Taylor Walls. A wild pitch allowed the pair to advance 90 ft. Jonathan Aranda knocked in both Palacios and Walls with a one-out single. Chandler Simpson walked and then Junior Caminero hit into a fielder’s choice that allowed Jorge Mateo, pinch running for Aranda, to score. Cam Sanders relieved Cano and following an intentional walk to Liam Hicks, got Ryan Vilade to fly out to center to end the game.
In his return from the 60-day IL, Chris Bassitt made the start and allowed 2 runs on 5 hits with 3 walks and 3 strikeouts across 5.1 innings. Josh Walker (1-0) finished out the sixth inning for Bassitt, recording a strikeout and was ultimately credited with the win.
Baltimore got on the board when Tyler O’Neill (1 for 2, 2 R, 2 BB) scored on a Christian Encarnacion-Strand (1 for 3, RBI) sacrifice fly in the second inning.
Colton Cowser (1 for 2) led off the third inning with his 10th homerun of the season.
Gunnar Henderson (4 for 4, 2B, 2 R, 2 RBI) doubled to open the seventh and scored along with Leody Taveras, who reached base on a fielder’s choice, on a Dylan Beavers (2 for 2) two-RBI single.
Henderson hit a two-run homerun, his 20th on the season, in the eighth inning to add what proved to be much needed insurance runs.
Time will tell if Friday’s victory was a meaningful one but that depends on the Orioles.
2026 Record: 59-63
Next Game: Sat. 8/15 @ 6:10 pm @ Tampa Bay Rays
