Big five run fifth upended James Shields, Rays

BALTIMORE, Md. (AP) - Chris Tillman took a three-hitter into the seventh inning, Chris Davis homered and drove in four runs, and the Baltimore Orioles beat the Tampa Bay Rays 6-2 Thursday to avoid a three-game sweep.

Nick Markakis had two hits for the Orioles, who had scored only one run in each of their three previous games. It was just the second time in 10 games that Baltimore scored more than four runs.

Tillman (3-1) allowed two runs, five hits and four walks in six-plus innings. It was the 40th career start for the right-hander, who was coming off a solid effort in Cleveland and now has won two straight decisions for the first time.

Baltimore batted around against James Shields (8-7) during a five-run fifth. With the bases loaded and one out, Adam Jones drove in two runs with a single. A walk to Matt Wieters filled the bases for Davis, who collected three RBIs with a double into the gap in left-center.

After the Rays chased Tillman by scoring twice in the seventh, Davis hit his 16th home run of the season off Burke Badenhop in the bottom half. Davis hadn't collected more than one RBI in a game since July 2 and came in batting .152 in 30 games since June 15.

Sam Fuld drove in both runs for Tampa Bay with a two-run double in the seventh. After scoring 10 runs in a blowout win on Wednesday night, the Rays managed only seven hits and were victimized by three double plays.

Shields gave up five runs, six hits and five walks in six innings. Although he struck out 10 in a second straight start, the right-hander fell to 6-2 at Camden Yards. He is winless in four starts since July 3.

NOTES: The Orioles recalled LHP Dana Eveland and optioned INF Steve Tolleson to Triple-A Norfolk. ... Wieters went 0 for 11 in the series and is mired in a 1-for-30 skid ... In his second game with the Rays, Ryan Roberts went 0 for 2 with two walks. ... The Rays continue their first trip since the All-Star break in Los Angeles on Friday night. The Orioles host Oakland on Friday night.