masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Left-handers Zach Britton and Mike Belfiore shared a ride to St. Petersburg early this morning and sat on a couch together, chatting with catcher Steve Clevenger, when the clubhouse opened to reporters at 11 a.m.

Belfiore said he got the call around 3 a.m., after watching the Orioles’ 5-4, 18-inning loss to the Rays. He was dozing off, but he’s learned to never put his phone ringer on silent or vibrate.

Clevenger is behind the plate today. Alexi Casilla is starting at…ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Left-handers Zach Britton and Mike Belfiore shared a ride to St. Petersburg early this morning and sat on a couch together, chatting with catcher Steve Clevenger, when the clubhouse opened to reporters at 11 a.m.

Belfiore said he got the call around 3 a.m., after watching the Orioles’ 5-4, 18-inning loss to the Rays. He was dozing off, but he’s learned to never put his phone ringer on silent or vibrate.

Clevenger is behind the plate today. Alexi Casilla is starting at second base. Manny Machado drops back down to second in the lineup.

The Orioles have held a lead at some point during the game in 44 of their 72 losses, the highest such percentage in the majors this season, according to STATS.

Each of the Orioles’ last 13 games and 16 of their last 17 have been decided by two runs or fewer, with the team posting 6-7 and 8-11 records in those games.

For the Orioles
Nate McLouth LF
Manny Machado 3B
Chris Davis 1B
Adam Jones CF
Nick Markakis RF
J.J. Hardy SS
Danny Valencia DH
Steve Clevenger C
Alexi Casilla 2B

Miguel Gonzalez RHP

For the Rays
David DeJesus LF
Desmond Jennings CF
Ben Zobrist 2B
Evan Longoria 3B
Wil Myers RF
Delmon Young DH
James Loney 1B
Jose Molina C
Yunel Escobar SS

Alex Cobb RHP