American League Game Summary - Baltimore at Tampa Bay
(Friday, August 3rd)
Final Score: Tampa Bay 2, Baltimore 0
St. Petersburg, FL (Sports Network) - Desmond Jennings and B.J. Upton both
homered as the Tampa Bay Rays edged the Baltimore Orioles, 2-0, in the opener
of a three-game set at Tropicana Field.
Matt Moore (8-7) earned the win after tossing 5 1/3 scoreless innings. He
scattered six hits and struck out six for the Rays, who have won three
straight and five of their last six.
Fernando Rodney retired the side in order in the ninth to secure his major
league-leading 32nd save of the season.
Adam Jones and Matt Wieters each had a pair of hits for the Orioles, who have
lost two in a row.
Tommy Hunter (4-7) allowed two runs on six hits -- including both homers --
and struck out three over 5 2/3 frames to absorb the loss.
"A guy goes out and throws like that, gives up two runs, he keeps you in the
game," Orioles third baseman Mark Reynolds said of Hunter's start. "And we've
got to do a better job of getting him some runs and let him go out there and
throw,"
Upton's homer in the fourth gave the Rays a 1-0 lead. It was the 100th of
his career. Upton's younger brother, Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Justin
Upton, also hit his 100th career home run Friday night.
"Mom and dad have to be really proud tonight," Rays manager Joe Maddon said.
Jennings lifted a homer to left in the sixth.
Later in the inning, with runners on first and second, Carlos Pena drove one
to deep center, but Adam Jones made a spectacular leaping catch to save at
least one run.
Baltimore wasted two opportunities to score in both the first and eighth.
The Orioles loaded the bases in the first, but were unable to score. Nick
Markakis and Jones each singled before Chris Davis walked to load the bases.
But Moore fanned Mark Reynolds to end the threat
In the eighth, Wieters and Davis each hit one-out singles to put runners on
first and second, but Joel Peralta struck out Reynolds and Wilson Betemit to
preserve the lead.
Game Notes
The Rays have allowed just one run in their last three games...Moore leads all
rookies in wins since June 1 with 7...The Orioles are 14-21 in series opening
games...Betemit had a six-game hitting streak snapped...Prior to the game
Baltimore sent pitcher Pat Neshek to the Oakland Athletics for cash
considerations.
08/04 01:10:59 ET

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