. UP NEXT
vs. Orioles
Tonight-Sunday
What's new: The Orioles' success does not seem sustainable, much less logical, breaking down what they have. But the sum of the parts under Buck Showalter has been impressive. They rank last in the AL in defense, 10th in starters' ERA and 10th in runs, 11th in average and 12th in on-base percentage. But their bullpen has been tremendous (3.22 ERA), and they have been opportunistic, winning 13 games without getting a hit with a runner in scoring position, and 10 more with just one. RHP Jim Johnson shares the AL saves lead with the Rays' Fernando Rodney at 31, though with a much higher ERA, 3.63 to 0.73. All-Star CF Adam Jones leads the offense. And the revolving rotation has kept them in games.
Key stat: The Orioles have won their last nine one-run games and are 20-6 overall.
Connections: Injured Rays DH Luke Scott spent the previous four seasons in Baltimore; injured O's RHP Jason Hammel is an ex-Ray.
Series history: Rays lead 5-4 this season (taking two of three July 24-26), 125-124 overall, 66-57 at the Trop.
Marc Topkin, Times staff writer
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