Early Stumble and Late Collapse Spoil Rays’ Mid-Game Rally: Rays 5, Orioles 7

Despite rallying to tie the game after a rough start, the Rays couldn’t overcome a late Orioles surge

After winning 17 straight games when they score four runs or more, it is time for the Tampa Bay Rays to reset the clock. On Saturday night, the Rays lost to the Baltimore Orioles in a game that got out of hand quickly, became exciting in the middle, and then felt like a first-place team facing a fourth-place team toward the close.

The Orioles wasted no time putting pressure on the Rays, taking advantage of Drew Rasmussen’s early struggles as a rusty opener. Colton Cowser led off the game with a single to left field, and after a pop-out by Anthony Santander, Gunnar Henderson followed with another single to put runners on first and second. Adley Rutschman then delivered a clutch double to center field, driving in Cowser and moving Henderson to third. Ryan Mountcastle’s two-run single moments later made it 3-0 before Rasmussen could settle down and retire the side.

The Rays looked rattled after the Orioles’ early offensive burst. Rasmussen, who was yanked after just one inning, was replaced by Tyler Alexander. Unfortunately for the Rays, Alexander didn’t fare much better in his first frame of work, surrendering a solo home run to Jackson Holliday to push the Orioles’ lead to 4-0.

Despite this rocky start, Alexander showed resilience by keeping the Orioles scoreless over the next few innings.

With no outs and runners on the corners at the top of the fifth, Baltimore had a chance to extend their lead. However, Alexander buckled down, inducing a groundout from Mountcastle and back-to-back outs from Cedric Mullins and Austin Slater to escape the jam unscathed. This defensive stand kept the door open for a Rays comeback.

For any hope of stepping through the comeback door, the Rays had to find a way to get to Corbin Burnes. Burnes held the Rays hitless through four innings, but in the bottom of the fifth, the Rays’ bats finally broke through and heated up. Josh Lowe sparked the rally with a single to center, and after stealing second, he advanced to third on a Jose Caballero single. Lowe came around to score on a throwing error by Rutschman when Caballero stole second. Curtis Mead’s strikeout momentarily stalled the momentum, but Alex Jackson came through with an RBI double to cut the lead to 4-2. Jonny DeLuca doubled to drive in Jackson, making it a one-run game.

In the bottom of the seventh, José Caballero sent the home crowd into a frenzy by launching a solo home run to left center field, tying the game at 4-4 and erasing a four-run deficit. The Rays seemed to have the momentum on their side, and with a bullpen that had been relatively solid, there was hope that they could pull off a crucial comeback win.

But the tide turned once again at the top of the eighth. With Colin Poche on the mound for the Rays, the Orioles quickly regained control. A leadoff walk to Holliday set the stage for a two-run home run by Ramón Urías, giving the Orioles a 6-4 lead. The Rays’ bullpen suddenly found itself in trouble. Poche allowed a single to Cowser, who then advanced to third on a single by Gunnar Henderson. Ryan Mountcastle followed with an infield single to bring Cowser home, making it 7-4. Cedric Mullins grounded out to end the inning until the call was overturned for catcher interference. The call allowed Cedric Mullins to reach base and load the bases. Manuel Rodríguez managed to induce a groundout to prevent further damage. The catcher interference call was the third time Mullins has reached on interference in the last two weeks.

The Rays attempted to mount a final rally in the bottom of the eighth. Yandy Díaz’s single and Christopher Morel’s single put runners on the corners with two outs. After Cionel Pérez replaced Yennier Cano on the mound, the Rays had another golden opportunity with the bases loaded following a walk to Jose Siri, scoring Diaz. However, a flyout from Caballero ended the threat, with the Rays only able to push across the one run to make it 7-5.

Seranthony Domínguez closed the door on the Rays’ comeback hopes in the ninth. Despite a one-out walk to Ben Rortvedt, Domínguez retired the side with a strikeout and a lineout to seal the victory for Baltimore. The loss leaves the Rays still searching for answers against the Orioles, who have had their number all season.

The Rays' loss is particularly painful given the number of missed opportunities throughout the game. Despite tying the game at four apiece in the seventh, the team's inability to hold the lead or convert in key situations in the eighth and ninth innings proved costly. Rasmussen’s opening struggle and Poche's subsequent struggles were critical factors in the Rays’ loss.

On the flip side, the Orioles continue to demonstrate why they are a force to be reckoned with in the American League. Baltimore built an early cushion, and despite a shaky middle innings where the Rays fought back, the Orioles’ ability to respond immediately with big hits in the eighth inning ultimately secured their victory.

The Rays will look to avoid the series sweep when these teams play Sunday. The first pitch is scheduled for 1:40 p.m.