BALTIMORE — Rays starter Corey Kluber didn’t get hit hard on Monday night, but he got hit enough for the Orioles to roll to a 5-1 victory.
It marked the Rays’ third straight loss in four games after the All-Star break, a disappointing turn after they won six of seven going in. They dropped to 52-44.
Kluber worked five innings, allowing five runs, including four in a messy fifth inning. All seven hits were singles, two on bunts. And a Rays defensive miscue factored into the Baltimore rally.
Pitching wasn’t the main problem for the Rays, as their offense is in another down cycle in what has been a remarkably inconsistent season. Worse, it came on a day when the Orioles were using a series of relievers in a bullpen game.
Though the Rays rapped eight hits, they managed just the one run — on a home run by Brandon Lowe, his first since May 7 — before his extended absence due to a lower back issue.
Going 1-for-12 with runners in scoring position and leaving 10 on was a big part of Monday’s futility.
There was an ominous sign early, when the Rays loaded the bases with one out in the second against Austin Voth, then got nothing out of it. Brett Phillips drilled a ball back to the mound that Voth gloved and threw home for a force out, then Yandy Diaz flied to center.
That play also led to one of the more interesting situations of the night, as Luke Raley found himself being booed by Orioles fans.
Raley was on third when Phillips hit the ball to Voth, and as he slid into home he took down catcher Adley Rutschman, the recently promoted top prospect and franchise cornerstone, who was trying to make a throw to first.
A few words were said and Baltimore manager Brandon Hyde came out to talk with home plate umpire Jim Reynolds, but there was no further action. Raley and Rutschman appeared to chat amicably before his second at-bat.
Raley continued to be booed and yelled throughout the game, and he responded with a pair of doubles.
The Rays also made a defensive mistake that cost them a run in the fifth. Ji-Man Choi fielded a grounder but his throw to second hit the runner, allowing the Orioles to add to their lead.
