Game 27 Recap-
Tampa Rays 8- Baltimore Orioles 1
The surging Tampa Rays rode the strong pitching of promising RH SP Andy Sonnastine and a 5 run 7th inning to defeat the Baltimore Orioles in the 2nd game of a 3 game set at Tropicana Field in Tampa.
With the Orioles facing some adversity with pitching injuries and ineffectiveness, young RH Matt Albers kept his team in the game with 6 workman like innings, he allowed 4 hits, 3 runs, walking 1 and striking out 2. The big blow was a 2 run homer by DH Eric Hinske in the 4th to put the Rays ahead 3-1 for good. Tampa scored in the 2nd after a RF Gabe Gross sac fly, the Orioles answered in the 3rd on an rbi single by 2b Brian Roberts.
Albers tired and was pulled after the 6th, Orioles RH Bob McCrory made his ML debut and was hit hard and often. Over 1/3 of an inning, he allowed 2 hits, 4 runs and walked 2. The 5 run Tampa 7th inning was hi-lighted by a 1b Carlos Pena and C Dioner Navarro’s matching 2 run singles. CF BJ Upton added another rbi on a single. After the damage and inning was over, it was 8-1 Rays.
Star of the Game- Sonnastine went to 4-1 with this dominant performance. Over 8 innings,he allowed 6 hits and 1 run while walking 2 and striking out 5.
Things will get better! -RH McCrory’s era is 108.00
Orioles Notes-
Team designated RHP Greg Aquino for assignment to make room for McCrory… SS Brian Fahey was assigned to Triple A Norfolf… Good news on the medical front regarding LH SP Adam Loewen. No injury shown up on his tests, he will meet with noted sports surgeon Dr. James Andrews for further evaluation. Andrews performed the surgery that ended Loewen’s ‘07 season.
Next Game-
Thursday 12:35 Tropicana Field- series conclusion
Orioles LH Brian Buress(3-1) vs Rays RH Matt Garza(0-0)
