O’s Take Series From Devil Rays, 3-2

Chris Ray wins his second game of the year.

Erik Bedard started the game and had a fine performance. Even though he gave up a career high in hits (11), he didn’t walk anybody, only gave up 2 runs over 7 innings, and struck out 6 batters. It was a gritty performance and took some getting out of jams. He did get some help from Jeff Conine out in left field though. Conine made a pair of nice plays, first throwing out Carl Crawford at home plate and also making a diving catch on a Jarge Cantu shot. Todd Williams pitched a perfect 8th to get the ball to Chris Ray for the 9th. Ray struck out a batter in his inning. It was tied going into the bottom of the ninth…

…and we pulled off the victory in walk off fashion. Corey Patterson got on board with a single, stole second for his 39th of the season, and then scored on a Ramon Hernandez single up the middle. Everyone but Brian Roberts and Jay Gibbons had a hit. Nick Markakis had 2, including his 12th homerun of the year, and so did Miguel Tejada. Jeff Conine also did his part with the bat, tying the game up in the 7th with his 9th homerun. It wasn’t pretty but it was a win nonetheless.

Markakis watch: 2-4 (.308)

Tomorrow afternoon we go for the sweep, and we’ll do so against youngster J.P. Howell (0-1, 10.80). It was supposed to be rising star Scott Kazmir, but he was placed on the DL today. Good for us, bad for them. We counter with a youngster of our own as Adam Loewen (4-4, 5.57) looks to continue his recent success. Go O’s.