O's Snap Ray's Streak, Take First

Garrett Olson was able to shut down the Rays for over six innings, and the O's bats kept the visiting team from extending their season best six-game winning streak.

The Birds beat the Rays, 7-4, snapping their own 2-game losing streak. Olson was in command throughout the game. He walked five, while striking out six, and left after six and two-thirds, allowing only four hits.

Meanwhile, the O's were cruising, knocking the Ray's starting pitcher out in the third, and eventually taking a commanding 7-0 lead in the sixth. Nearly every player contributed; the big plays came from Ramon Hernandez, Melvin Mora, and another Huff homer against his former team. Adam Jones again had trouble at third base, tripping and falling before being tagged out at home (I still love the kid, and am relieved he wasn't hurt).

Olson ran into trouble more than once, but he was able to escape a bases-loaded, one-out jam in the third. After he got a groundout, Olson struck-out B.J. Upton to end the inning. He was lifted in the seventh, and Randor Bierd immediately allowed the inherited runner to score, and then gave up a 2-run shot to Upton. The Rays were back in it, with the score 7-4.

The score wouldn't change, and George Sherrill came in to save the game. No suprises this time, as Sherrill recorded his tenth save in eleven tries.

Boston ended up winning in the ninth, but the O's are still statistically in first. Matt Albers is scheduled to start against the Ray's Andy Sonnanstine tonight...

(photos courtesy of MLB.com)