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Orioles-Rays Preview

May 4, 2009 - 12:50 AM By ANTHONY GIORNALISTA STATS Senior Writer

Baltimore (9-15) at Tampa Bay (10-15), 7:08 p.m. EDT

Though Carl Crawford has played a big role in the Tampa Bay Rays' home success against Baltimore, he's never had a game against the Orioles that has come close to matching his most recent performance.

After tying a modern major league record for stolen bases in a game, Crawford looks to help the Rays extend the Orioles' woes at Tropicana Field in the opener of a two-game set Monday night.

Crawford was 4-for-4 with an RBI and became the fourth player to steal six bases in a game, leading Tampa Bay (11-15) to a 5-3 win over Boston on Sunday. He joined Eddie Collins, Otis Nixon, and Eric Young, who was the last player to swipe six bases in a game - on June 30, 1996, for Colorado.

"We don't really talk stats during the game. Everybody's focused on the game, so nobody said nothing," said Crawford, batting .435 in his last 12 games.

The veteran left fielder has 11 stolen bases in his last six games and a major league-leading 17 on the season without being caught. In 52 home games against Baltimore (9-16), he has stolen 16 bases while batting .343 with six homers, seven triples and 10 doubles.

Crawford has helped the Rays win seven straight at home versus the Orioles since a 3-2 loss April 12, 2008. Tampa Bay is averaging 8.2 runs during that stretch.

The Rays had won 12 straight overall against the Orioles before losing two of three at Baltimore from April 10-12.

After outscoring the Red Sox 30-15 en route to winning three of four games, Tampa Bay seems to have an excellent opportunity to extend its run against Baltimore at Tropicana Field. The Orioles have lost six straight and 14 of 17 following a 6-2 start.

Manager Baltimore manager Dave Trembley was asked whether he'd considered a team meeting to snap the Orioles out of their slump.

"We'll think about it on the plane (to Tampa)," Trembley said. "I think these guys are mature enough. No one likes losing but we've lost in a variety of ways. A lot of people are frustrated with it but we'll channel our disappointment in a more positive way."

The Orioles have had little chance of winning when Adam Eaton (1-3, 7.17 ERA) has taken the mound. The veteran right-hander, who will start Monday, is coming off yet another poor outing, giving up five runs and six hits while walking a season-high four in six innings as Baltimore lost 7-5 to the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday night.

He has lost all three of his starts against Tampa Bay, posting a 5.40 ERA. If Eaton falters again, the Orioles will need a boost from a bullpen that has a 5.91 ERA.

Trembley said George Sherrill's job as closer is in danger after the left-hander blew his second save of the season Saturday in a 5-4, 11-inning loss to Toronto. Trembley will decide "day by day" who to use in save situations.

Due to poor pitching, Baltimore is 0-12 when scoring fewer than five runs. The Orioles lineup hopes to provide some support as it faces struggling Rays ace Scott Kazmir (3-2, 5.40).

The All-Star left-hander allowed six earned runs in four innings for the second time in three starts Wednesday night, surrendering nine hits and walking four in four innings as Tampa Bay lost 8-3. He also threw two wild pitches, allowing runners to score from third base each time.

Kazmir has issued 13 walks in his last 14 innings. However, he's 3-0 with a 3.33 ERA in his last four starts versus the Orioles.