Roberts' Slam leads O's past Tampa, 8-7

By Steve Melewski

Orioles

April 04, 2010, 5:26pm

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The Orioles produced seven runs on two swings as Brian Roberts hit a Grand Slam and Nolan Reimold a three-run shot in Thursday's 8-7 win over Tampa. The O's avoided the series sweep and ended a five-game losing streak. Roberts hit his fourth career Slam off Lance Cormier in the 6th to break a 1-1 tie. An inning later, after Tampa cut the 5-1 lead to 5-4, Reimold delivered his three-run shot. It was Reimold's first homer since July 31st vs. Boston He had hit just one over his last 41 games.

Jim and Buck talk with Dave Trembley after the O's 8-7 win over Tampa Bay

Tampa scored three in the 8th to pull within 8-7, but Jim Johson came on for a four-out save to preserve the O's win. It's his fifth save. Winning pitcher Brian Matusz, now 2-2, took a four-hitter into the last of the 6th but then gave up a Ben Zobrist three-run homer. In 5 1/3 innings, Matusz allowed seven hits and four runs. He fanned seven without a walk. The O's are 1-2 on this road trip which now heads to Chicago for a weekend series. Balt.....8-11-1 TB......7-12-1