Chris Davis tied a franchise record by hitting a home run in his sixth straight game to help give the Orioles an improbable, 1-0 victory against the Rays in Tampa, Fla.

Rays starter James Shields threw a complete game, striking out 15 Orioles batters, but Davis hit the game-winning run with a solo shot to center field in the fourth inning. Shields was masterful, but Orioles starter Miguel Gonzalez did his best to match the effort.

Gonzalez threw 6.1 innings, allowing two hits. Orioles relievers Brian Matusz and Darren O'Day worked 1.2 innings of hitless ball before giving way to closer Jim Johnson in the ninth. Johnson recorded his 51st save of the year.

The Orioles entered the game one contest behind the Yankees in the American League East, with two games left during the regular season. The Birds remained a game back, because the Yankees were able to pull off a comeback, which ended with a 4-3 win against the Red Sox in 12 innings.

The Yankees will try to clinch the AL East by hosting the Red Sox Wednesday.

Posted Oct. 2, 2012