Rays-Orioles Saturday game thread: Orioles, Watkins look to get back on track

It’s time for a bounce-back game.

After giving up a 5-2 lead in what became a 10-6 loss, the Orioles are back at it again tonight against the Tampa Bay Rays in the second game of their weekend series.

Game 1 looked to be going the Orioles’ way...until it wasn’t. Baltimore took a three-run lead into the sixth, but the Rays scored three in that inning and then five in the eighth to come away with the win.

The big hit that tied the game, setting the stage for the Rays to surge ahead? A three-run home run by old friend Nelson Cruz. One that got away.

So the Orioles need an answer, and they’ll give the ball to a pitcher who’s also looking for one. Since starting out with a 1.65 ERA over his first four outings, Spenser Watkins has allowed four runs in four innings against the Marlins, and four in 5.2 innings against Detroit.

Starting for the Rays will be Shane McClanahan, who’s 5-4 with a 3.74 ERA.

Rays lineup

1. Brandon Lowe 2B

2. Nelson Cruz DH

3. Wander Franco SS

4. Austin Meadows LF

5. Yandy Diaz 1B

6. Joey Wendle 3B

7. Manuel Margot RF

8. Kevin Kiermaier CF

9. Mike Zunino C

LHP Shane McClanahan

Orioles lineup

1. Cedric Mullins CF

2. Austin Hays LF

3. Trey Mancini 1B

4. Anthony Santander DH

5. Pedro Severino C

6. Maikel Franco 3B

7. Ryan McKenna RF

8. Jorge Mateo 2B

9. Richie Martin SS

RHP Spenser Watkins