Baldelli's double in ninth wins it
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) -- Rocco Baldelli hit a game-winning RBI double in the ninth inning and the AL East-leading Tampa Bay Rays came back from a four-run deficit to beat the Baltimore Orioles 10-9 on Saturday.
Carlos Pena drew one-out in the ninth off Rocky Cherry (0-2) and scored on Baldelli's double down the third-base line.
Nick Markakis hit a game-tying solo homer with two outs in the ninth off Rays reliever Dan Wheeler (3-5), who blew his third save in 13 opportunities.
The Rays, an AL-best 51-19 at home, have won the first two games of the three-game set and improved to 12-0-1 in series play since the All-Star break.
(Pictured - Rocco Baldelli hits the game-winning double that scores Carlos Pena in the ninth. Times photo - James Borchuck. Click to enlarge.)
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Nice going Rays. Welcome back Rocco. We missed you.
Posted by: nonnahas8 | August 31, 2008 at 05:00 PM
The best team in baseball, the most comfortable stadium,the most reasonable prices,, and so many empty seats,,What a shame!
Posted by: roger | August 31, 2008 at 03:51 PM
Carl,
www.mlb.com
Click the scoreboard button along the top and that will give all of the scores of the games being played that day. Click on the Teams initials and that will take you to that team's site. Click the middle of the page, and you will get a pitch by pitch description of the action. Not as good as being there, or watching it on TV, but better than nothing.
Posted by: Razzlegator | August 31, 2008 at 02:30 PM
"Some people enjoy a magic show, while there is always some idiot that says "there's a trick to it."
Yes, a sweep is inevitable. NO Tricks, no smoke, no mirrors! Joe Knows Baseball...Joe is 73 and one when leading in the 8th inning. It's nearly September, I would call that Joe and his Rays' 8th inning. 73 and one...the magic number is spelled S-E-P-T-E-M-B-E-R; the RAYS new 8th inning! Stay tuned for more history and the award for MLB's Manager of the Year.
Posted by: joeknowsbaseball | August 31, 2008 at 12:44 PM
School'em Rocco
Posted by: jeff | August 31, 2008 at 12:13 PM
Some of these people focused on Cinderella's personality flaws when they were read to growing up. As for me, I have loved every part of this season. Some people enjoy a magic show, while there is always some idiot that says "there's a trick to it." How about a sweep fellas.
Posted by: Brian | August 31, 2008 at 11:02 AM
The good news from negative comments (such as about Wheels) is that we hold the team to a high standard (expecting perfection). The bad news is no one seems to give these guys a break when they mess up. Wheeler has been great for this team as a setup guy, so let's give him props. Considering how tough the closer role is, he is doing just fine while Percy gets healthy. Frankly, what this team is doing with 3-4 key guys hurt at any given time is incredible. At least the BJ bashers have been quieted by his awesome play the last few games. He's showing why we need him down the stretch. Keep it up, BJ.
Posted by: 9equals8.com | August 31, 2008 at 09:09 AM
he must have taken his steroids.
Posted by: Joe | August 31, 2008 at 08:49 AM
Comments about Dan Wheeler .. You people would bit@h about a free lunch !! The guy is 10/13... and we STILL won the game !!!
Not making this next comment with Karma in mind but why don't you wait until we LOSE a couple of blown saves before you start crying .. We are 73-1 when leading after the 8th inning .Any other team even close to that ??!!! I didn't think so ...
Posted by: Tim | August 31, 2008 at 08:30 AM
I recently moved to SC and have the mlb.com package. The game was blacked out online and the Cubs v. Phils were on Fox locally. The Rays are the best story in baseball, both Baltimore and St Pete are closer to SC than Chicago and Philadelphia yet we get their game. I was relegated to watching gametracker on yahoo . . .ugh! Talk about suckage.
Who is/are "We The Kings" and how do they rate a concert after the game?
Posted by: Carl | August 31, 2008 at 08:30 AM
So, now there are excuses when the fans DO show up? Must be a Red Sox fan trying to get everyone in a huff. I will say the Rays do tend to put on a show everytime we will the joint. Go Rays!
Posted by: 9equals8.com | August 31, 2008 at 08:00 AM
How about that Rocco?!?
Posted by: Darren | August 31, 2008 at 12:37 AM
Congrats Tampa Bay Rays and Rocco on the big victory on "National" T.V. I smell sweep!!! They just have to issue 4 intentional walks to Huff.
Posted by: Luu | August 30, 2008 at 11:51 PM
Really good crown considering there were 45k people over at the USF football game in Tampa.
Posted by: Jon | August 30, 2008 at 11:48 PM
How come you Yanks won't gimme a chance to close em out? I get nervous with Percy out there but twice as nervous with Wheels. I need to be and should be, the man! At least until Percy comes back strong.
Posted by: downunder | August 30, 2008 at 11:47 PM
Exactly.........maybe 100 people were there for the 'concert.' That was a thrown in concert.
Posted by: Bill | August 30, 2008 at 11:27 PM
I'm worried about Wheeler taking my spot. NOT!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: T. Percival | August 30, 2008 at 09:57 PM
It's about time...
Posted by: Jim | August 30, 2008 at 09:54 PM
I expect 30k tomorrow
Posted by: mario | August 30, 2008 at 09:48 PM
it was a concert, but it was "We the Kings" I don't think ppl were exactly knocking down the gates to see that band ..
Posted by: mo | August 30, 2008 at 09:47 PM
Must have been a concert todaY?
Posted by: Russ | August 30, 2008 at 09:19 PM
No reference to the 35k fans at the game today? Great game, Rays.
Posted by: 9equals8.com | August 30, 2008 at 08:59 PM
Great win for the Rays. Too bad it was only on in 17 of 205 FOX markets (7%).
So much for a "national" broadcast.
We'll have the airwaves to ourselves come October though!! GO RAYS!!
Posted by: JeffC | August 30, 2008 at 07:40 PM