Chen, Jones lead Orioles over Rays 2-1
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) Wei-Yin Chen pitched seven effective innings, Adam Jones drove in two runs and the Baltimore Orioles beat the Tampa Bay Rays 2-1 on Saturday night.
Baltimore started the day 4 1-2 games behind Houston for the second AL wild-card spot.
Chen (10-7) allowed one run, six hits and struck out seven. He ended his outing by escaping a two-on, no-out jam.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
Darren O'Day worked a scoreless eighth before Zach Britton got three outs for his 34th save.
Tampa Bay rookie Mikie Mahtook didn't start a day after tying a team record with five hits in a game. Manager Kevin Cash said a number of factors, including third baseman Evan Longoria being the designated hitter, led to his lineup decision.
Mahtook entered as a pinch-runner in the eighth after Grady Sizemore was hit by a pitch near his knee. Mahtook stole second, but the play was voided when Longoria was called for interfering with catcher Matt Wieters.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
Mahtook then tried to steal again second with Logan Forsythe batting and was thrown out.
Erasmo Ramirez (10-6) gave up two runs and nine hits over seven innings. The right-hander was coming off a start against the Yankees in which he lost a no-hit bid in the eighth.
Chris Davis had a leadoff double in the sixth for his third hit and scored on Jones' single to put Baltimore up 2-1.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
After Jones had an RBI grounder in the first, the Rays tied it in the bottom half on Richie Shaffer's double.
TRAINER'S ROOM
Orioles: Pitching prospect Hunter Harvey felt discomfort in his throwing elbow at instructional league and will be examined by Dr. James Andrews. ... RHP Miguel Gonzalez (right shoulder) is scheduled for a bullpen session Sunday.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
Rays: SS Asdrubal Cabrera (strained left knee) was back in the lineup and went 1 for 4 after missing three games. ... LHP Xavier Cedeno (left side) is ready to pitch. ... LHP Jake McGee (left knee) will have his second simulated game Sunday. C Curt Casali (left hamstring) will take part in the game.
UP NEXT
Orioles RHP Kevin Gausman (3-6) and Rays RHP Jake Odorizzi (8-8) will start the finale of the four-game series Sunday.