Pete Alonso hit his 30th homer and Trevor Rogers struck out six over seven innings as the Baltimore Orioles defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 5-3 on Friday night.
The Baltimore Orioles defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 5-3 on Friday night at Oriole Park, snapping a three-game skid and handing the AL East leaders a second straight loss. Pete Alonso’s go-ahead two-run homer in the seventh inning — his 30th of the season — proved to be the decisive blow, while left-hander Trevor Rogers delivered a quality start with six strikeouts over seven innings.
Rays’ Offense Stalls Again
The Tampa Bay Rays (76-52) managed just three runs and continued a troubling offensive trend. After scoring only one run in Thursday’s 5-1 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays, the Rays have now plated just four runs combined over their last two games. Friday’s output was not enough to overcome Baltimore’s late surge, as Tampa Bay’s lineup struggled to generate consistent traffic against Rogers and the Orioles’ bullpen.
Despite the recent skid, the Rays remain firmly atop the AL East standings, holding a comfortable lead over the second-place Blue Jays. However, with Toronto heating up, Tampa Bay will need to rediscover its offensive rhythm quickly to maintain its cushion as the regular season winds down.
Orioles’ Pitching and Power
Trevor Rogers was the story on the mound for Baltimore (62-67), keeping the Rays’ hitters off balance throughout his seven-inning outing. His six strikeouts and efficient pitch count allowed the Orioles to stay within striking distance before Alonso’s heroics. The veteran right-hander (listed as a left-hander in the provided data) earned the win, improving Baltimore’s chances of building momentum after a tough week.
Alonso’s 30th home run of the season was a classic display of power, turning a one-run deficit into a lead the Orioles would not relinquish. The slugger has become the anchor of the Baltimore lineup, and his ability to deliver in clutch moments was on full display Friday night.
Turning Point: Alonso’s Go-Ahead Blast
The game shifted in the bottom of the seventh inning. With the score tied at 3-3, Alonso stepped to the plate with a runner on base and launched a two-run homer to put the Orioles ahead 5-3. It was a moment that silenced the Rays’ dugout and energized the home crowd, and Baltimore’s bullpen made the lead stand up over the final two innings.
Prior to that, the game had been a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading runs. The Rays had taken an early lead, but the Orioles answered each time, setting the stage for Alonso’s decisive swing.
What It Means for Both Teams
For the Orioles, this victory is a much-needed reset after being swept by the New York Yankees earlier in the week. It gives them a chance to win the series in Saturday’s Game 2 and provides a confidence boost as they look to play spoiler against a division rival. Baltimore remains in fifth place in the AL East, but a series win over the top team would be a statement.
For the Rays, the loss is a concerning sign as they try to hold off the Blue Jays in the division race. Tampa Bay’s offense has gone quiet, and they will need to solve their issues quickly to avoid a third straight defeat. The team still holds a comfortable lead, but every game matters as October approaches.
Key Takeaways
- Pete Alonso hit his 30th home run of the season, a go-ahead two-run shot in the seventh inning.
- Trevor Rogers struck out six and allowed three runs over seven innings to earn the win.
- The Rays have scored just four runs in their last two games, both losses.
- Baltimore snapped a three-game losing streak and improved to 62-67.
- Game 2 of the three-game series is scheduled for Saturday at 7:05 PM ET.
Looking Ahead
The Rays and Orioles meet again Saturday night at 7:05 PM ET for Game 2 of this three-game series. Tampa Bay will look to bounce back and avoid a third straight loss, while Baltimore aims to secure a series victory before the rubber match on Sunday.
🎧 Listen daily to both teams
Beatline Sports covers every team, every day — new episodes each morning.