The Baltimore Orioles begin a four-game series on Friday against the Tampa Bay Rays. The game starts at 7:10 p.m. ET. Watch the live stream HERE.
The series between Baltimore and Tampa Bay is bound to be intense. Baltimore is just two games behind Tampa Bay for the AL wild-card spot, the Associated Press reports. After a recent slump, Baltimore appears to be back on track after winning three of its last games.
Still, Orioles outfielder Adam Jones admitted his team needs to do better.
"Who cares about this getting two out of three?" Jones told AP reporters. "At this point in time, winning the series means nothing. We need wins. 'Good job getting the series' if this was June, but it's September. We need wins."
Jason Hammel (7-8, 5.12 ERA) is slated to open the series for Baltimore. He's in a six-game losing streak and has only one start under his belt since returning from the disabled list last Friday.
In his return, Hammel allowed three hits and three runs over five innings. The Orioles came back for a 5-3 win, but he didn't get a decision. Hammel has an uphill battle on Friday - he's 0-2 with a 7.15 ERA in his last two starts against the Rays.
David Price is tasked on Friday with defending the Rays' lead over the Orioles. Price understands the importance of winning the opening game of the series.
"It's big. If they come in here and beat me up, that has them feeling good going against everybody else after me," Price told the team's website, via AP. "If I can come out here and throw the way I expect to, it might put a little doubt in their mind and give us some confidence. That's what we need."
Price (8-8, 3.42) is 3-0 with a 2.15 ERA in his last seven starts against the Orioles. While he's played well against Baltimore, Price is 0-3 with a 4.13 ERA in his previous four starts.
