By Jim Williams, Baltimore
A second straight walkoff stunner sinks Tampa Bay
The Rays suffered another tough loss in Baltimore, coming off yesterday’s defeat to the Yankees when Aaron Judge blasted a walk‑off homer in the ninth. On Sunday, they fell 9‑7 in 13 innings as Colton Cowser hit his second walk‑off home run in as many days. Both games ended the same way—Cowser rounding the bases, and this time it was the Rays walking off the field in disbelief.
The Orioles and Rays traded blows all afternoon. Tampa Bay grabbed leads in the 11th, 12th, and 13th innings, only to watch Baltimore answer each time. The final swing came on a 425‑foot blast to right‑center, ending a wild Memorial Day matinee that never settled into a rhythm.
Rays keep scoring, but can’t close the door
Jonathan Aranda homered in the sixth and added a sacrifice fly in the 12th. Victor Mesa Jr. made his Tampa Bay debut memorable with a two‑run shot in the 12th. Cedric Mullins and Richie Palacios pushed across runs in the 13th to give the Rays a 7‑5 edge.
But every time Tampa Bay inched ahead, Baltimore found a way back. Gunnar Henderson’s fielder’s‑choice RBI in the 12th tied the game after replay overturned an out call at the plate. Leody Taveras doubled home a run in the 13th, and Jackson Holliday’s sacrifice fly evened it again.
Cowser delivers the final blow
Cowser stepped in with one out in the bottom of the 13th and ended it with a towering drive that mirrored his walkoff the day before. The Orioles, who were swept by Tampa Bay last week, have now taken the opener of this series in dramatic fashion.
For the Rays, it marks their first set of back‑to‑back losses since late April and another long afternoon where the bullpen carried a heavy load but couldn’t secure the final out.
What’s next
The series continues Tuesday with former Rays starter Shane Baz facing Griffin Jax as Tampa Bay tries to regroup after another marathon loss.