Orioles 3 - 1 Rays
Final
  for this game

Roberts homer gets O's past new-look Rays

Apr 3, 2011 - 5:58 AM

Video

St. Petersburg, FL (Sports Network) - Brian Roberts hit a three-run homer in the eighth inning and Nick Markakis made a catch against the wall to end the game in Baltimore's 3-1 win over Tampa Bay in a pitching duel at Tropicana Field.

The Orioles' Chris Tillman was spectacular in the start, which was pushed up a day after pitcher Brian Matusz was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained intercostal muscle. Tillman threw six hitless innings with five strikeouts and three walks for the Orioles, who have taken the first two of the three-game series.

Jeremy Accardo (1-0) got the win, pitching a scoreless seventh inning.

James Shields (0-1) had a solid outing for the Rays in defeat. He lasted 7 1/3 innings, allowing two runs on four hits and striking out seven batters.

"I would have hoped for a different result, but I felt really strong out there," Shields said.

Evan Longoria left during the game for the Rays with a sore left oblique. He was 0-for-1 and has been held hitless through the first two games.

Also held hitless again was Johnny Damon, while Manny Ramirez knocked in Tampa Bay's lone run.

Shields looked good through seven innings until he put two runners on base during the eighth. Mark Reynolds singled, and J.J. Hardy walked one out later. Jake McGee then came into the game and served a three-run homer to Roberts, who sent a towering shot into the left field seats.

Ramirez's single -- his first hit of the season -- scored Elliot Johnson during the bottom of the eighth to make it a 3-1 game. However, they left two man on base when Dan Johnson grounded out.

The Rays continued to threaten during their last at-bat, but came only a few feet short from a comeback win. With two outs and two men on, Ben Zobrist sent a long drive to the right field fence but Markakis robbed him with a leaping catch.

"I didn't know for sure [if I was going to catch it]," Markakis said. "I just gave it my best effort to catch it and it ended up in my glove."

Shields had a rough first inning but got out of it unharmed. Roberts dropped a hit into shallow right field on the first pitch of the game, but the Orioles stranded two runners to end a possible threat.

From there, the two pitchers settled down.

Tillman cruised through six frames with a no-hitter. He struck out five and walked just three during that stretch. Shields also was locked in, scattering three hits through five with seven strikeouts.

After eclipsing the 100-pitch mark, Tillman was pulled in favor of Accardo. Tampa Bay got its first hit on B.J. Upton's single in the seventh.

He stole second and after Baltimore intentionally walked Matt Joyce, Kelly Shoppach hit a blooper into left field. It looked as if Upton was going to score, but Felix Pie's strike from left field nailed the runner at home to keep the game scoreless.

Game Notes

Tillman came into the game 0-2 in four career starts against the Rays, allowing 25 hits and 15 runs in 20 2/3 innings...Roberts finished 2- for-4...Upton had two hits.






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