Rays' offense still sizzling in 5th straight win
Tampa Bay jumps on Cobb early, scores at least 8 runs in 4th consecutive game
BALTIMORE -- The Rays' potent offense continued to be seemingly unstoppable Wednesday. Everyone in the starting lineup got at least one hit, and Tampa Bay tied a season high with 14 as the Rays rolled to an 8-4 victory over the Orioles.
Tampa Bay (9-13) got five of those runs against former teammate Alex Cobb (0-3), four of which came in the fifth inning when Tampa Bay turned the game around and took a 5-3 lead. Ten of the team's hits came against Cobb.
"Offensively, everyone contributed," manager Kevin Cash said. "It looked like [Cobb] was kind of getting in a rhythm a little bit, but we stayed with it and got a couple big hits ... and just pieced together a really good inning."
Joey Wendle led the way with three hits and two RBIs. C.J. Cron and Brad Miller also drove in two runs apiece. Cron's two-run double tied the score in the fifth, and Miller later added a sacrifice fly.
Daniel Robertson doubled twice and now has hit in five straight games, going 9-for-19 during that stretch.
"It's a lot of guys that believe in each other," Robertson said. "We don't care who we throw out there. It's just fun to be a part of. Our clubhouse vibe right now is awesome."
Andrew Kittredge (1-2) earned the win, getting the final two outs in the fifth in relief of starter Jake Faria.
Jonny Venters also pitched for the Rays in relief. The team had selected his contract earlier in the day, calling him up from Triple-A Durham.
"I was nervous and excited and just excited to be here," he said.
Venters had not pitched in the Major Leagues since 2012 and underwent two Tommy John surgeries and a half of another one before making it back. The left-hander retired the only batter he faced, Chris Davis, on a grounder.
The Orioles (6-18) have lost four in a row.
SOUND SMART
The Rays have scored at least eight runs in each of the past four games, setting a franchise record.
HE SAID IT
"It was a special thing that I'll never forget the rest of my life. Dream come true, really." -- Venters, on his return to the Major Leagues
UP NEXT
The Rays will try to sweep their brief series with the Orioles on Thursday at 7:05 p.m. ET. They'll be back again in Baltimore on May 11 for four games in three days. Chris Archer (1-1, 6.59) goes for the Rays on Thursday against Dylan Bundy (1-2, 1.42) for the Orioles.