Missed chances push O’s 2 games back of Sox

BALTIMORE — Evan Longoria blasted a three-run homer and recorded a season-high five RBIs to power the Rays to a 7-6 win Thursday night at Camden Yards that pushed the Orioles two games behind the Red Sox in the tightly contested American League East.

The Orioles had the tying run 90 feet from home in the ninth inning with one out, but Rays closer Alex Colome struck out Mark Trumbo and Chris Davis to escape with his 33rd save of the season.

Longoria’s shot to center field gave Tampa Bay a three-run lead just three batters into the game, but the Rays were still forced to play from behind after the first inning. The Orioles responded in the bottom half of the first with four runs, all coming with two outs.

Blake Snell settled in after his rough first inning and held the Rays scoreless for the next 3 1/3 innings until he was pulled in the midst of a jam. The bullpen helped him escape and held the Orioles to two runs the rest of the way.

As the Rays limited the O’s after the first, they continued to beat up on Orioles righty Yovani Gallardo, who lasted just 3 1/3 innings and allowed six runs. Tommy Hunter came on in relief in the fourth and allowed a two-run single to Longoria that gave the Rays a 7-4 cushion.

After the Orioles couldn’t score with runners on second and third and no outs in the fifth, they plated two runs in …

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