TAMPA, Fla., June 17, 2025 — The Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Baltimore Orioles 7-1 on June 16 at George M. Steinbrenner Field, improving their record to 40-32 and holding second place in the American League East. The Orioles, now 30-41, remain in fifth place. Ryan Pepiot earned the win for the Rays, pitching eight innings and allowing one run, while Zach Eflin took the loss for Baltimore, giving up seven runs over five innings.
The Rays struck early, with Josh Lowe hitting a solo home run in the first inning to take a 1-0 lead. They extended their advantage in the second when Christopher Morel’s bunt single drove in Jake Mangum, followed by Mangum’s RBI single in the third, making it 3-0. The Orioles responded in the fourth with a solo home run by Adley Rutschman, narrowing the gap to 3-1. However, the Rays pulled away in the fourth and fifth innings, powered by Brandon Lowe’s two-run homer and Mangum’s two-run double, securing a 7-1 lead.
Pepiot was dominant, striking out 11 Orioles and allowing four hits over 98 pitches. “He was in control the whole game,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said post-game. Eflin struggled, surrendering 12 hits, including three doubles and two home runs, in 76 pitches. The Orioles’ offense managed only four hits, with Rutschman’s homer accounting for their lone run. Baltimore’s defense faltered, with Eflin committing a pickoff error, though they turned two double plays.
The Rays’ offense was led by Mangum, who went 3-for-4 with three RBIs, and Brandon Lowe, who had two hits, including his 14th home run of the season. Jonathan Aranda and Junior Caminero each added doubles, contributing to Tampa Bay’s 14 hits. The Orioles left two runners in scoring position and hit into three double plays, stifling any comeback hopes. The game, attended by 10,046 fans, lasted 2 hours and 12 minutes under partly cloudy skies with 89-degree temperatures.
The sports card above provides detailed player stats, showing the Orioles’ batting struggles (.252 average, .726 OPS) compared to the Rays’ efficiency (4-for-13 with runners in scoring position). Baltimore’s bullpen, featuring Gregory Soto and Colin Selby, held the Rays scoreless in the final three innings, but the early deficit proved insurmountable.
This loss marks the Orioles’ fourth in their last five games against the Rays this season, highlighting Tampa Bay’s edge in the AL East rivalry. Both teams are set to face off again tonight at 6:30 p.m. EDT in Tampa, with the Orioles aiming to rebound and the Rays looking to solidify their standing.
