Wednesday baseball: Tampa at Orioles

Game Preview Tampa (73-72) at Orioles (59-85) Following a pleasing comeback victory, the Orioles host Tampa tonight in game three of a four-game series at Camden Yards. The Birds were behind 5-0 after Tampa batted in the top of the third Tuesday night. But then the comeback was on and 10 unanswered runs later, the O's had a 10-5 win. Tonight at 7:05 p.m. Chris Tillman (2-3, 4.91) pitches for the Orioles vs. Andy Sonnanstine (6-9, 7.15). In two starts against the O's this year, Sonnanstine has allowed 12ER over just 6 2/3 innings. Matt Wieters had three hits, including a homer and 5 RBI in the win. That's a season-high RBI total, topping the four he drove in August 28th vs. Cleveland. Brian Roberts, batting third for the third time this season, had three hits including an RBI double in the win. It was his 52nd double, setting a new O's season doubles record, breaking his own mark of 51 set last year. O's single-season doubles leaders: 52 - Brian Roberts, 2009 51 - Brian Roberts, 2008 50 - Brian Roberts, 2004 & Miguel Tejada, 2005 48 - Aubrey Huff, 2008 & Nick Markakis, 2008 47 - Cal Ripken Jr., 1983 The O's now have six wins this year vs. Tampa after getting just three all of last year, when the Rays won 15 of 18 between the clubs. Now the season series is tied at six wins each and the O's are 4-3 vs. the Rays at home. Tonight the O's play game three of a seven-game homestand. Boston will follow Tampa to town for a weekend series. Trying to avoid another late-season fade, the O's are 5-4 over the last nine games and 11-13 over the last 24 contests. The O's scored ten runs for the second time in the last five games and the Birds offense has put up 34 runs over the past five games. The O's are now 19-38 vs. AL East teams, including a mark of 13-15 at home vs. the East. After snapping an 11-game losing skid on Monday, the Rays are now 1-12 over the last 13 games and 4-15 over their past 19. Since August 7th, when Tampa was just 2 ½ games out in the wild-card race, the Rays are 13-23. Tampa has scored 13 runs in its last two games after getting just 23 runs in the previous 11 contests. O's hitters, career, vs. Sonnanstine: Izturis: 2-6 Markakis: 5-14/0/4 Moeller: 1-2 Mora: 5-13/0/4 Pie: 0-0, one walk Roberts: 6-15/0/4 Scott: 0-7, 3K