The Tampa Bay Rays fought off a furious comeback attempt by the Baltimore Orioles to salvage the series finale, 9-8.
The Rays jumped out to a 7-1 lead after four innings, bouncing Orioles starter Jake Arrieta after just 3.2 innings. The Orioles would not go quietly, scoring three runs in the sixth and two in the seventh to cut the Rays lead to 7-6. Tampa added two insurance runs in the top of the eighth, however again the O's fought back with a run in the eighth and ninth before the Rays finally shut the door.
Ben Zobrist was a big reason for the victory, going 3-for-4 with a double, home run and three RBIs. Elliot Johnson also added his second home run of the season. Rays starter James Shields had a good start tainted by rough sixth and seventh innings. His final line for the day was six runs (four earned) on seven hits and five strikeouts in 6.1 innings.
The Rays will now travel to Toronto to begin a series with the Blue Jays Monday night.
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