BALTIMORE (AP) – Evan Longoria homered and drove in five runs, and the last-place Tampa Bay Rays again played the spoiler’s role in a 7-6 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday night.
The loss stalled the Orioles’ bid to enhance their position in the playoff picture. Baltimore started the day trailing AL East-leading Boston by one game and holding a one-game lead over Toronto for the top wild-card spot.
Tampa Bay has won three straight, including the last two of a three-game series in Toronto.
Longoria hit his career high-tying 33rd homer with two on in the first inning and added a two-run single in the fourth to increase his team-high RBI total to 91.
Brad Boxberger (4-1) got the last two outs in the fifth to pick up the win. Alex Colome worked the ninth for his 33rd save.