On Wednesday the Orioles announced that both Keegan Akin and Anthony Santander had been placed on the Covid-19 injured list. As a result, Alexander Wells made his first MLB start.
Wells represented himself well, allowing 3 runs on 5 hits, 2 of which were homeruns off the bat of Randy Arozarena, while walking 2 and striking out 7 over 5.2 innings. The game was tied at 3 when he exited.
The ending of the game is the story, however. With Tanner Scott pitching in relief in the 9th inning, the Tampa Bay Rays won 5-4 on a walkoff. Scott started the inning by allowing a single Francisco Mejia. A strikeout and walk followed and the bases were loaded. A strikeout of Vidal Brujan made it bases loaded with two outs. On an 0-2 count to Austin Meadows, Scott gave up a two-RBI walkoff single and with that the game was over.
Ryan Mountcastle (2 for 3, 1 Run Scored, 2 RBI, 1 BB) and Pat Valaika (1 for 4, 1 Run Scored, 1 RBI) each hit homeruns to keep pace with Arozarena.
Cedric Mullins added a 2 for 4, 1 double, 1 run scored effort and Trey Mancini went 2 for 4 with a run scored.
Austin Hays also hit a double, going 1 for 4 with 1 RBI.
All of these at bats were wasted because of one strike not thrown.
2021 Record: 31-64
Next Game: Fri. July 23 @ 7:05pm at Oriole Park at Camden Yards
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