Rays fall to Orioles 5-1 on June 18, snapping their win streak despite a Josh Lowe HR. Get the latest on Shane McClanahan's promising injury update.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Well, all good things must come to an end. The Rays' four-game winning streak was snapped Wednesday in a 5-1 defeat at the hands of the Baltimore Orioles. While the bats went quiet against a sharp Dean Kremer, the day wasn't a total loss, as some encouraging news emerged from the trainer's room.
Despite the loss, the Rays remain second in the AL East and lead all of Major League Baseball with 97 stolen bases.
The offense just couldn't get going against the Orioles. A solo home run from Josh Lowe in the third inning was the only mark on the scoreboard for Tampa Bay. Starter Zack Littell battled for six innings but ultimately surrendered four runs, with a go-ahead homer by Baltimore's Colton Cowser proving to be the difference-maker. One bright spot was top prospect Junior Caminero, who continued to swing a hot bat, going 2-for-4 with a double. Still, against Orioles starter Dean Kremer, who fanned seven over six strong frames, it simply wasn't enough.
While the loss stings, the biggest win of the day may have come off the field. Ace Shane McClanahan, out with left triceps nerve irritation, received a positive report after a visit with Dr. Gregory J. Pearl. He's already playing catch from 125 feet and is on track to resume bullpen sessions soon. More good news came for shortstop Ha-Seong Kim, who is expected to return within the week after a minor hamstring setback during his rehab. With reliever Manuel Rodríguez also nearing a return to throwing, the pitching staff is poised to get some major reinforcements.
Let's put this one loss in perspective. The Rays still hold a solid 40-32 record and maintain their grip on second place in the hyper-competitive AL East. The team's identity remains intact. Their collective 3.42 ERA is the fifth-best in all of baseball, and their aggressive baserunning has them leading the league with 97 steals. Offensively, Junior Caminero (17 HR, 45 RBIs) provides the power, while Jonathan Aranda's .324 average sets the pace. One quiet night doesn't change the fact that this is a talented and competitive ball club.
The streak is over, but the season is a marathon. The Rays will look to bounce back and take the series from the Orioles tomorrow. With the offense needing a spark and the pitching cavalry getting closer every day, the next few weeks will be crucial for solidifying their place as a top contender in the American League. Time to start a new streak.
