Rays Rally to Defeat Orioles, Avoid Sweep in Tense Matchup

In a closely contested game, the Tampa Bay Rays overcame an early deficit to defeat the Baltimore Orioles 2-1, avoiding a three-game sweep. The Orioles initially took the lead in the fourth inning with a home run from Anthony Santander, marking his 35th of the season. However, the Rays responded with a run in both the seventh and eighth innings, showcasing their resilience. Curtis Mead played a pivotal role in the Rays' comeback, delivering a tiebreaking sacrifice fly in the eighth inning. The inning began with Brandon Lowe drawing a walk against struggling reliever Craig Kimbrel, who has faced challenges this season. Lowe's aggressive base running, including a stolen base, set the stage for Mead's crucial hit, which ultimately secured the victory for Tampa Bay. Rays manager Kevin Cash praised Lowe's readiness and strategic play, emphasizing the importance of such tactics in tight games. Despite the loss, the Orioles have had a strong season, boasting an 8-2 record against the Rays, including a 6-1 mark on the road. Albert Suárez delivered an impressive performance, pitching 6 2/3 scoreless innings before being replaced by Cionel Pérez, who faced difficulties in the seventh. Santander's fourth-inning homer was his 26th since June, underscoring his offensive prowess. Looking ahead, the Orioles will assess the condition of infielder Jorge Mateo, who is dealing with an elbow issue. Meanwhile, the Rays are set to face the Houston Astros, with RHP Taj Bradley on the mound against LHP Framber Valdez.