Jeff Niemann pitches 4 1-3 strong innings, Tampa Bay Rays beat Baltimore Orioles 4-3

SARASOTA, Fla. – Bidding for the fifth starter's job, Jeff Niemann allowed one run in 4 1-3 innings as the Tampa Bay Rays beat the Baltimore Orioles 4-3 on Thursday.

Niemann, who's allowed three runs in 12 2-3 innings this spring left with a runner on. Matt Wieters hit a three-run homer in the fifth off Juan Sandoval to tie it at 3.

In his first start for Baltimore, Kevin Gausman, the Orioles first pick in the 2012 draft, allowed two runs in 2 2-3 innings. Luke Scott gave Tampa Bay a 3-0 lead with a two-run home run.

The winning run scored on catcher Luis Exposito's error.