Final
Rays, Orioles set for division showdown
May 11, 2012 - 2:57 PMVideo
Tonight, the division front-runners square off in the opener of a three-game series at Camden Yards.
The Orioles managed to take one of four games from the Texas Rangers, splitting a doubleheader on Thursday. Baltimore won the first game and used back-to-back-to-back home runs to start the game and five overall in a 6-5 win.
They weren't as fortunate in the nightcap, however, and fell, 7-3.
Still, for a franchise that has not had a winning record since 1997, Orioles manager Buck Showalter has to like where his team sits right now at 20-12.
"You've just got to turn the page and move on," Showalter said of losing the series.
Tonight, he turns to righty Dana Eveland, who will be making his season debut. Eveland was called upon after Jason Hammel reported discomfort in his right knee.
Eveland has spent the majority of his career shuffling back-and-forth between the minors and big leagues and owns a career mark of 19-24 with a 5.52 ERA for Oakland, Toronto, Pittsburgh and the Dodgers.
He was 3-2 with a 2.21 ERA in six starts with Triple-A Norfolk this season.
"He had a good year in a very hitter-friendly park in Triple-A and has had some success at times in the big leagues," Showalter said. "He's pitching real well down there, pitching as well as any of their starters are, so I think we're lucky to have him. We'll see if Tampa agrees with me."
Tampa, meanwhile, will counter with reigning AL Rookie of the Year Jeremy Hellickson, who is 3-0 with a 2.75 ERA. Hellickson did not get a decision on Saturday against Oakland, as he allowed three runs (two earned) and five hits in 3 2/3 innings of a 4-3 loss.
"It's not a good feeling, getting pulled in the fourth inning," Hellickson said. "It's been a long four days."
Hellickson has had success against the O's, posting a 4-1 mark to go along with a 2.23 ERA in six games (five starts).
Tampa will be looking to get back on track tonight after dropping two of three to the New York Yankees, including a 5-3 setback in Thursday's rubber match at Yankee Stadium.
David Price (5-2) gave up five runs on 11 hits with four strikeouts and three walks over seven frames, laboring throughout as the Yankees kept the pressure on.
"I thought I pitched a pretty good game," said Price. "Just a few bad throws I made and they hit them well."
Sean Rodriguez finished with two hits and Elliot Johnson added two hits and scored two runs for the Rays, who have dropped four of five overall.
The Rays split 18 meetings with the Orioles last season.
- TAMPA BAY: 3
BALTIMORE: 4
Final
May 11 9:45 PM - Nick Johnson two-out, two-run Home Run (1) to right scored Chris Davis. Robert Andino due up.
Rays 3, Orioles 4 Bot 7, 2 OutsMay 11 9:18 PM - Nick Markakis two-out, solo Home Run (6) to right. Adam Jones due up.
Rays 3, Orioles 2 Bot 6, 2 OutsMay 11 8:54 PM - Carlos Pena was hit-by-pitch Jose Molina scored on the play with two outs. Bases loaded and B.J. Upton due up.
Rays 3, Orioles 1 Top 4, 2 OutsMay 11 8:13 PM - Elliot Johnson single to right scored Matt Joyce with two outs. On the play, Jose Molina advances to third and Sean Rodriguez out at home on the throw. Runners on second and third and Ben Zobrist due up.
Rays 2, Orioles 1 Top 4, 2 OutsMay 11 8:11 PM - Adam Jones lead-off Home Run (10) to left. Matt Wieters due up.
Rays 1, Orioles 1 Bot 2, 0 OutsMay 11 7:34 PM - Sean Rodriguez ground into a double play, third to second to first scored Luke Scott with two outs. Matt Joyce out at second Jeff Keppinger advances to third. Runner on third and Jose Molina due up.
Rays 1, Orioles 0 Top 2, 2 OutsMay 11 7:27 PM - TAMPA BAY: 0
BALTIMORE: 0
Top 1, 1 Out
May 11 7:09 PM
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