The Rays fell to 1-1 this evening after a 9-6 loss to the Baltimore Orioles. Playing in front of the smallest crowd in Camden Yards history (10,505) the Orioles offense came alive in a comeback victory. The Rays squandered a 6-3 lead in defeat.
Matt Garza made his first start ever with the Rays after spending last season with the Minnesota Twins. Garza was not at his sharpest. He lasted 5.1 innings and was pulled after 6 hits and 5 ER including home runs to Brian Roberts and Aubrey Huff. After Garza departed, Gary Glover and Dan Wheeler got five outs to hold the lead for the Rays heading into the 8th inning. Last years closer, Al Reyes took over in the 8th and got shelled. Reyes recorded only 2 outs will allowing 5 base runners and 4 runs, giving the Orioles the lead for good.
The Rays offense got to Orioles starter Daniel Cabrera for 6 runs in the first 5 innings. Half of the runs came courtesy of a three run homer by Cliff Floyd in the first inning, scoring Crawford and Upton. Carlos Pena followed with a two run jack in the 5th. The Rays managed just 7 hits, but worked the count to collect 7 walks in the ball game.
The Rays and Orioles will wrap up their opening series tomorrow night at Camden Yards. Andy Sonnanstine will get the start for the Rays against Steve Trachsel of the Orioles. After tomorrow’s game in Baltimore the Rays will stay on the road for a series with the New York Yankees.
