Meadows slam, Richards' gem carries Rays previous Orioles 7-1

Austin Meadows hit his first profession grand slam to cap a seven-run second inning, Trevor Richards shined in his second begin with Tampa Bay and the Rays prolonged their spectacular highway run by beating the Baltimore Orioles 7-1 Friday night time.

Meadows hit a 2-Zero pitch from Ty Blach (0-2) deep into the center-field seats to ship Tampa Bay to its fourth straight win over Baltimore. The drive was the spotlight of an inning wherein the Rays obtained 5 hits and a pair of walks.

One night time earlier, Meadows hit the 259th house run allowed by the Orioles, a significant league report. That quantity now stands at 261.

Tampa Bay has gained 11 of its final 12 away video games and now sits atop the AL wild-card standings. The Rays’ 42-23 highway report is one of the best within the majors.

It has been a tough season for Richards, who was 3-12 with Miami earlier than being traded to the Rays on July 31 and instantly optioned to Triple-A Durham. The fitting-hander acquired a no-decision in his Tampa Bay debut on Sunday in opposition to Detroit, giving up two runs in Three 1/Three innings.

Richards (1-0) was dominant within the encore, permitting Baltimore two hits and a stroll over six shutout innings, his longest outing since June 8.

Aaron Slegers labored the ultimate three innings, getting his first main league save regardless of permitting a solo homer to Jonathan Villar.

The Rays’ large second inning featured an RBI double by Kevin Kiermaier and a two-run single by Mike Zunino. Orioles second baseman Hanser Alberto made a diving cease of a two-out grounder however dropped the ball whereas getting ready to throw, thus loading the bases for Meadows.

Blach gave up seven runs and 9 hits over 4 innings. Claimed off waivers from San Francisco on Aug. 3, he is toting a 12.15 ERA in three begins with Baltimore.

CLEANING HOUSE

Orioles GM Mike Elias fired 11 scouts and entrance workplace members Friday.

“Change occurs continuously, particularly whenever you’re in a scenario the place the staff has been shedding,” Elias mentioned.

DESERVE A BREAK

Someday after enjoying previous midnight in a rain-delayed sport, the Orioles got an opportunity to regroup earlier than attending to work.

Supervisor Brandon Hyde allowed the gamers to come back in late and canceled batting apply, though a rain bathe would have wiped it out anyway.

“We had been going to remain off our toes in the present day,” Hyde mentioned. “It is simply a type of days when it is late August, we have been at it some time and I am making an attempt to present the fellows a breather.”

TRAINER’S ROOM

Rays: OF Avisail Garcia (proper indirect pressure) could possibly be activated off the injured checklist Saturday, the primary day he is eligible to return. He performed one rehab sport with Triple-A Durham and was within the Rays clubhouse Friday. … LHP Anthony Banda, who’s been sidelined all season whereas recovering from Tommy John surgical procedure, was activated from the 60-day IL and optioned to Durham. Supervisor Kevin Money hopes Banda and RHP José De León, who was been with Durham since mid-August, would possibly assist down the stretch.

Orioles: RHP Shawn Armstrong (forearm pressure) was positioned on the 10-day IL, retroactive to Aug. 22, and recalled RHP Dillon Tate from Triple-A Norfolk. … OF Dwight Smith Jr. has handled a number of accidents this season, and now he should bide his time in Norfolk. “Keep down there, get a number of extra ABs and are available up right here shortly,” Hyde mentioned.

UP NEXT

Rays: If Money knew he was going to make use of as his beginning pitcher Saturday, he wasn’t telling on Friday afternoon. Tampa Bay has not but introduced a starter for Sunday, both.

Orioles: All-Star lefty John Means (8-9, 3.75 ERA) has misplaced 4 straight begins and 5 of six, together with a 12-Four resolution in opposition to the Rays on July 13.

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