Play it again -- Orioles 6, Devil Rays 1

The Baltimore Sun

Scoreless Streak Ended

The Orioles entered last night's game having not allowed a run in their past 21 innings. The Devil Rays ended that streak in the third when catcher Raul Casanova lined a 2-0 pitch into the left-field stands for a bases-empty home run. It was the 16th homer given up this season by starter Erik Bedard, who came into the game ranked fifth in the American League with a 3.12 ERA. Casanova's blast was the only run Bedard surrendered in his six innings of work.

Defense Doesn't Let Up

The Orioles entered last night's game leading the AL in both fielding percentage and fewest errors. In the second inning, third baseman Aubrey Huff held up his end when he robbed shortstop Brendan Harris of a hit. With one out, Harris hit a sharp ground ball between third and short, but a diving Huff came up with the ball and fired a strike to first baseman Kevin Millar for the out. Shortstop Luis Hernandez followed in the fifth with a diving stop of his own to start a double play.

Bloop, There It Is

The Orioles scored their first two runs when catcher Ramon Hernandez singled with two outs in the first inning. After back-to-back walks to Millar and Huff loaded the bases, Hernandez lofted a lazy fly ball into shallow left field that looked to be the third out. Harris and left fielder Carl Crawford converged on the ball and appeared to get their signals crossed. As a result, neither player attempted to field the ball, which landed between them for a hit.

On Deck

The Orioles go for the sweep of their three-game series against the Devil Rays today in an afternoon game. On the mound for the Orioles will be right-hander Steve Trachsel (5-7, 5.05 ERA), who is making his second start since returning from the disabled list. The 36-year-old will be opposed by Edwin Jackson, who has a 2-9 record and a 6.65 ERA. Opponents are hitting.307 against him this season.

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