Suárez shines but Orioles’ bullpen allows 2 late runs as Rays win, 2-1

ST. PETERSBURG, Florida—Albert Suárez had pitched brilliantly, allowing just four hits in a career high 6 2/3 scoreless innings. After 94 pitches, manager Brandon Hyde removed him with a 1-0 lead, and Cionel Pérez and Craig Kimbrel each allowed a run.

The Orioles’ offense couldn’t do anything after Anthony Santander’s 35^th home run in the fourth inning and lost to the Tampa Bay Rays, 2-1, before 16,848 at Tropicana Field on Sunday.

Pérez came in with two outs and nobody on in the seventh. He promptly allowed a double to José Caballero and a bloop single to pinch-hitter Dylan Carlson that scored Caballero to tie the game, 1-1.

Kimbrel (6-4) who hasn’t recorded a save since July 7^th, walked Brandon Lowe to begin the eighth. He struck out Yandy Diaz, walked Christopher Morel. Lowe and Morel pulled off a double steal, and Hyde decided to walk Josh Lowe intentionally.

Curtis Mead hit a sacrifice fly to right, scoring Brandon Lowe, and the Orioles (70-49) trailed, 2-1.

Manuel Rodriguez (2-2) allowed a one-out double to Gunnar Henderson in the eighth, his third hit, and walked Eloy Jiménez with two outs, but pitched a scoreless inning.

Pete Fairbanks struck out Ramón Urías and Jackson Holliday before Cedric Mullins singled. He struck out Colton Cowser for his 23^rd save.

Santander led off the fourth inning with his 35^th home run against Jeffrey Springs. Santander’s 35 home runs tie him with Ken Singleton for most among Orioles’ switch-hitters. Singleton hit 35 in 1979.

Since June 1^st, Santander has 26 home runs and 50 RBIs.

Springs allowed Santander’s home run and gave up six hits in five-plus innings.