MLB: Tampa Bay 5, Baltimore 2 (1st game)

• Tweet

BALTIMORE, Mich., Sept. 23 (UPI) -- Fernando Perez parlayed three hits into two RBI Tuesday, spearheading Tampa Bay's 5-2 victory over Baltimore.

Winning pitcher James Shields (14-8) gave up two runs on eight hits and a walk in seven innings while striking out eight. Dan Wheeler pitched a perfect ninth for his 13th save of the season. The Rays won for the sixth time in their last eight games.

Jason Bartlett went 3-for-4 with a run scored and an RBI for Tampa Bay. Evan Longoria and Dioner Navarro each had a pair of hits for the Rays, who moved three games ahead of the Boston Red Sox in the American League East. Tampa Bay's magic number to clinch the division stands at three.

Baltimore's Garrett Olson (9-10) allowed three runs on six hits and three walks in six innings. Lou Montanez homered for the Orioles, who racked up their seventh straight loss.