TAMPA, FL (July 18, 2025) – The Tampa Bay Rays dominated the Baltimore Orioles 11-1 at George M. Steinbrenner Field. The game, played before 10,046 fans under partly cloudy skies with a temperature of 91°F, saw the Rays improve to 51-47, while the Orioles dropped to 43-53, remaining fifth in the AL East. The game lasted 2 hours and 25 minutes, starting at 7:35 PM.

Rays’ Offense Explodes in Sixth Inning

The Baltimore Orioles struggled offensively, managing just five hits, with Colton Cowser going 3-for-3 and Gunnar Henderson adding a double and a triple. The Rays, however, unleashed a powerful attack, amassing 13 hits, including four home runs. Yandy Díaz and Junior Caminero each drove in four runs, with Caminero hitting two home runs and Danny Jansen and Díaz each adding one. The Rays’ six-run sixth inning, sparked by Díaz’s grand slam off reliever Tucker Wolfram, broke the game open, giving Tampa Bay a 10-0 lead.

Pitching Disparity Defines Game

Taj Bradley earned the win for the Rays, pitching six scoreless innings, allowing three hits, and striking out six. The Baltimore Orioles’ starter, Charlie Morton, took the loss, surrendering seven earned runs on eight hits over 5.1 innings, including three home runs. Reliever Wolfram struggled, allowing four earned runs in 0.2 innings, while Cory Martin and Sam Selby provided minimal relief. The Rays’ bullpen, featuring Joe Boyle and Zach Kelly, held the Orioles to one run in the ninth, scored on a Ramon Laureano RBI groundout.

Defensive and Baserunning Notes

The Baltimore Orioles committed one error, a throwing miscue by right fielder Laureano, while the Rays played error-free. Tampa Bay’s Jake Mangum stole a base, his 14th of the season, off Morton and catcher Jacob Stallings. The Orioles left six runners on base and went 0-for-3 with runners in scoring position, underscoring their offensive struggles. The Rays capitalized on 4-for-12 opportunities with runners in scoring position, as noted in the sports card above.

AL East Standings Context

The Baltimore Orioles’ loss widened the gap with the fourth-place Rays in the AL East. Despite Henderson’s .282 batting average and Cowser’s strong performance, the Orioles’ offense has been inconsistent, with a team batting average of .248. The Rays’ victory, powered by their 13 hits and .273 team average, strengthens their push for a wild card spot. The Baltimore Orioles’ pitching staff, with a 4.12 ERA, continues to face challenges against high-powered offenses.

Looking Ahead

The Baltimore Orioles will aim to rebound in their next game, focusing on improving offensive output and stabilizing their pitching. The Rays’ balanced attack and strong pitching performance highlight their playoff contention potential.

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