Rays Edge Orioles 7-6 in Tampa

The Tampa Bay Rays avoided a four-game sweep by rallying to a 7-6 win over the Baltimore Orioles at Tropicana Field, improving to 75 wins on the season. Key moments included Yandy Díaz, Ryan Vilade, and Jorge Mateo homering, with Mateo’s first Rays homer giving them a 4-3 lead, and Jonny DeLuca delivering a go-ahead two-run single in the seventh after multiple lead changes. Coby Mayo belted a 468-foot homer for Baltimore, while Pete Alonso and Christian Encarnacion-Strand supplied a pair of late-inning blows for the Orioles, who pressed late but couldn’t close out the game. The Rays benefited from Shane McClanahan’s early exit and a bullpen that held the Orioles in check, with Bryan Baker recording his 35th save as the closer. Baltimore’s offense continued to flash power, led by Encarnacion-Strand’s three hits and four RBIs, and Alonso’s continued strong performance, as they remain in the wild-card picture while the Rays solidify their division lead. The result highlighted a competitive, back-and-forth series in which Tampa Bay preserved momentum heading into a tougher stretch, while Baltimore went 5-5 on their 10-game road swing and remains in the mix for postseason contention.