Orioles lacking runs, not chances (O's win in 14th)

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

September 13, 2012, 12:53pm

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The Orioles have put at least one runner on base in the last 10 innings. We're still tied, 2-2, but it isn't for lack of opportunities. The Orioles have stranded 11 runners, the Rays eight. The teams are a combined 2-for-15 with runners in scoring position. Luis Ayala shut out the Rays on one hit, with three strikeouts, over 2 1/3 innings. His season high was 2 2/3 on July 17 in Minnesota. The Rays gave up their designated hitter by putting Evan Longoria at third base. Manager Joe Maddon brought in rookie pitcher Chris Archer - didn't he used to be an NFL quarterback, or was that David? - to complete Ryan Roberts' at-bat with two outs in the 11th. Roberts fouled a ball off his left ankle and limped off the field, though it seemed to take 45 minutes. Fans were booing. Archer stayed in the game and got through the 11th after walking Taylor Teagarden Endy Chavez batted for the first time since Aug. 1 and singled with two outs in the 10th before Manny Machado grounded into a force. Machado is 0-for-5 with two strikeouts and has stranded six runners, but he's hit a couple of balls hard and is playing outstanding defense at third base. The Orioles are 12-2 in extra innings and have won 12 in a row. Today's attendance: 25,130 Update: The Orioles loaded the bases against Archer with no outs in the 13th and somehow managed to keep the game tied. Chavez drew a leadoff walk, reached second on Machado's bunt - Machado was safe on Archer's throwing error - and took third on Mark Reynolds' bloop single. Robert Andino bounced into a force at home, with the Rays putting five men in the infield and leaving left field empty, and pinch-hitter Matt Wieters struck out after getting ahead, 3-0. Nate McLouth, who had the walk-off single last night, struck out to send the game to the 14th inning. The Orioles have left 14 runners on base today. Update II: Machado singled to left field to score Jones with two outs in the 14th inning, ending the Orioles' streak of consecutive losing seasons at 14. Orioles 3, Rays 2. Jones walked with two outs and Chavez collected his second hit. Machado singled in front of Matt Joyce, who failed to make the diving catch. Machado had stranded six runners today. The Orioles are 27-7 in one-run games and 13-2 in extra innings, including 13 straight wins. They're 64-0 when leading after the seventh.