Alonso’s 30th homer powers Orioles past Rays 5-3

BALTIMORE (AP) — Pete Alonso delivered a crucial two-run homer, propelling his 30th of the season, as the Baltimore Orioles triumphed over the AL East-leading Tampa Bay Rays 5-3 in Friday night's game. Trevor Rogers contributed to the Orioles' victory by striking out six batters in seven innings, marking his third quality start in four August outings. Alonso's performance was further highlighted by his RBI single in the first inning, extending his hitting streak to 13 consecutive games, which currently stands at .480.

The Rays managed to tie the game once in the second inning when Chandler Simpson hit an RBI single, but Kenny Piper's two-run homer in the fourth inning extended the Orioles' lead to 3-1. Dylan Beavers added another run in the fourth with a solo shot. Jackson Holliday contributed to the Orioles' lead with a sacrifice fly in the fifth inning. However, Alonso continued his impressive performance by hitting his 30th home run, a 443-foot blast to left field, securing Baltimore's lead for good.

Rookie Tampa Bay reliever Rico Garcia secured the win with a save after striking out two batters in the ninth inning. Freddy Peralta, who started for the Rays, went seven innings, allowing five runs on seven hits while striking out four and walking one. Tampa Bay's starting pitcher, Shane McClanahan, faced the Orioles' Brandon Young in the series that continued on Saturday.