Tampa Bay’s Nick Martinez pitched six one-hit innings and three relievers completed the task in a 3-1 victory against the host Baltimore Orioles on Sunday, helping the Rays avoid a series sweep.
Chandler Simpson had two hits, including a run-scoring single in Tampa Bay’s three-run sixth inning. The AL-best Rays won for only the third time in their last 10 games.
Colton Cowser had both of Baltimore’s hits, including a ninth-inning home run.
Martinez (13-4) struck out four batters without issuing a walk. The only hit he allowed was Cowser’s one-out double in the third inning. Martinez matched Drew Rasmussen for the team lead in wins.
Cam Booser, Kevin Kelly and Bryan Baker each pitched an inning to complete the combined two-hitter. Baker was credited with his 37th save despite yielding Cowser’s 12th home run of the year leading off the ninth.
The Orioles, who wrapped up a 2-4 homestand, brought the potential tying run to plate with one out in the ninth but they were unable to pull off a comeback with Pete Alonso and Gunnar Henderson retired on consecutive groundouts.
Orioles starter Shane Baz (4-14), who’s winless in his last 12 starts, was charged with three runs on five hits against his former team. He walked three and struck out three in 5 2/3 innings.
Baltimore has scored two or fewer runs in nine of Baz’s last dozen starts.
Across a 10-day span, the Rays and Orioles met seven times. The only two victories for Tampa Bay in those games came in the finale of each series.
Tampa Bay was held to seven hits and drew five walks.
The Rays produced their runs Sunday after Baz retired the first two batters in the sixth. Yandy Diaz and Jonathan Aranda had back-to-back singles, and Baz’s wild pitch allowed Diaz to score.
Junior Caminero knocked in Aranda before Simpson greeted reliever Grant Wolfram with an RBI single.