BALTIMORE, Sept. 22 (UPI) -- Akinori Iwamura had a two-run single Monday to lead the Tampa Bay Rays to a 4-2 victory over the Baltimore Orioles.
Jason Bartlett doubled in a run for Tampa Bay, which clinched a playoff berth for the first time in franchise history Saturday and lengthened its lead over Boston for the AL East title to 2 1/2 games. The Red Sox lost to Cleveland, 4-3, Monday.
Grant Balfour (6-2) got the win for throwing 1 2/3 innings of scoreless relief.
David Price, making his first major league start, didn't allow a hit until the fifth, when he gave up two runs -- one earned. He yielded four hits and three walks overall.
Baltimore starter Brian Bass did not allow a hit through 4 2/3 innings, but was charged with two runs on four walks, while striking out five in his third start of the season.
Rocky Cherry (0-3) suffered the loss.
Brian Roberts and Juan Castro had an RBI each for Baltimore, which has lost 23 of its last 28 games.
