TAMPA, Fla. — The Baltimore Orioles defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 5-1 on June 17, 2025, at George M. Steinbrenner Field, improving their record to 31-41. The Rays, now 40-33, fell to second place in the American League East. Dean Kremer pitched five innings for the win, allowing one run, while Zack Littell took the loss after surrendering three runs over six innings.
The Orioles struck first in the second inning when Jordan Westburg doubled and scored on a Ramón Laureano single. The Rays tied the game in the fourth when Brandon Lowe doubled and scored on a Junior Caminero single. Baltimore regained the lead in the fifth with a solo home run by Colton Cowser, his fourth of the season. The Orioles extended their advantage in the seventh, as Gunnar Henderson’s single drove in Dylan Carlson, who had singled earlier. In the ninth, Carlson scored again on a Jackson Holliday single, sealing the 5-1 victory.
Kremer earned his sixth win, allowing four hits and one run while striking out four. Keegan Akin, Gregory Soto, Bryan Baker, and Félix Bautista combined for four scoreless innings in relief. Littell, dropping to 6-7, allowed seven hits and three runs. Tampa Bay’s bullpen, including Mason Montgomery, Cole Sulser, and Kevin Kelly, struggled to contain Baltimore’s offense, which tallied 13 hits.
Westburg led the Orioles with three hits, including a double, and scored twice. Carlson also had three hits and scored twice, stealing his second base of the season. Laureano drove in two runs, and Cowser’s homer proved pivotal. For the Rays, Lowe and Caminero each had two hits, with Caminero driving in their lone run. Tampa Bay left seven runners on base and hit 1-for-6 with runners in scoring position.
The game, attended by 10,046 fans, began at 7:35 p.m. EDT under partly cloudy skies with temperatures at 87 degrees. The contest lasted two hours and 43 minutes. Notable plays included Laureano’s outfield assist, throwing out Jonathan Aranda at second, and a double play sparked by Holliday and Henderson. Holliday was caught stealing third in the ninth, but the Orioles’ lead held firm.
Baltimore’s offense capitalized on opportunities, going 5-for-10 with runners in scoring position. The Rays struggled defensively, with no errors but limited offensive production. Umpires reviewed a potential Westburg home run in the second, upholding the double call. Kremer marked his 500th career strikeout, fanning Kameron Misner in the fourth.
This victory snapped a recent skid for the Orioles, who sit fifth in the AL East. The Rays, despite the loss, remain competitive in the division. Both teams showcased young talent, with Holliday, Henderson, and Caminero highlighting their potential. The game underscored Baltimore’s ability to blend timely hitting with solid pitching, while Tampa Bay’s offense failed to convert key opportunities.
The matchup reflected ongoing divisional rivalries, with the Orioles and Rays vying for positioning. Baltimore’s bullpen, anchored by Bautista’s scoreless ninth, proved a difference-maker. The Rays will look to rebound in their next outing, while the Orioles aim to build momentum from this road win.
