Garza, Crawford Carry Rays Over Orioles

Matt Garza allowed three hits in six innings, Carl Crawford snapped a tie with a two-run single in the seventh, and the surging Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Baltimore Orioles 4-2 last night. The Rays took two of three from Baltimore to win their third straight series and climb four games over .500 (16-12) for only the third time in the 11-year history of the franchise.

Making his second start since returning from the 15-day disabled list with right arm nerve irritation, Garza (1-0) enjoyed his longest and most effective outing of the season.  Garza is 4-0 lifetime against the Orioles and 5-13 against everyone else. Adam Jones homered for the Orioles, who have lost four of five. Troy Percival worked a perfect ninth for his sixth save this season. (More Matt Garza stories.)