The Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Baltimore Orioles with a score of 7-1, moving into a virtual tie for the top spot in the AL East. Zach Eflin and two relievers combined to limit the Orioles to just two hits in the game. Brandon Lowe and Harold RamÃrez both hit home runs to contribute to the Rays’ victory.
Tampa Bay has been performing exceptionally well, winning nine out of their last 11 games and 18 out of their last 24. In just six days, they managed to erase a four-game deficit and are now neck-and-neck with the Orioles in the division race.
The Orioles, on the other hand, have been struggling, losing four consecutive games and matching their longest losing streak of the season. Despite this, they still hold a slim lead over the Rays in the division standings.
Zach Eflin, who leads the American League in victories, had an impressive outing on the mound. He allowed only one baserunner in the first five innings, showcasing his dominance. However, his bid for a no-hitter came to an end when Heston Kjerstad hit a cutter for a home run in the sixth inning. It was a memorable moment for Kjerstad, as it was his first major league hit in his first big-league start.
In other MLB news, the Miami Marlins defeated the Atlanta Braves with a score of 9-6. Luis Arraez hit two home runs in the game, while Jacob Stallings hit a crucial go-ahead line drive with the bases loaded in the seventh inning to secure the victory for Miami.
The Braves had to deal with the loss of Ronald Acuña Jr., who left the game after 7 1/2 innings due to tightness in his right calf. Acuña experienced discomfort when he grounded into a double play in the top of the inning.
On the injury front, the Los Angeles Angels placed outfielder Mickey Moniak and infielder Mike Moustakas on the 10-day injured list. In their place, the Angels recalled outfielder Jordyn Adams and infielder Kyren Paris.
Former Orioles outfielder Adam Jones was honored before the game against the Rays. Jones, who recently signed a ceremonial contract and retired with the Orioles, jogged onto the field with his two sons to a warm ovation. He threw the honorary first pitch to former Orioles outfielder Nick Markakis after a video montage featuring tributes from former teammates.
In the Chicago Cubs camp, Marcus Stroman has been activated from the 15-day injured list. Stroman, a right-handed pitcher, has been sidelined with right hip inflammation for about six weeks. Manager David Ross expects Stroman to contribute to the bullpen as the Cubs make a final push for a playoff spot.
In a scary moment, New York Yankees reliever Anthony Misiewicz was struck in the face by a line drive hit by Ji Hwan Bae of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Misiewicz raised his glove to catch the ball, but it hit him in the face instead. He was on the ground for several minutes before being attended to by medical staff.
