ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Aug. 19 (UPI) -- Another solid outing by Jeff Niemann Wednesday, along with three solo homers, lifted Tampa Bay to its fourth consecutive victory -- 3-1 over Baltimore.
Niemann (11-5) has turned into Tampa Bay's leading pitcher this year, posting 11 wins in his last 14 decisions. He has allowed three runs or fewer in 16 of his last 21 starts.
He gave up a run on seven hits in 7 1/3 innings, striking out five. After surrendering a one-out homer to Brian Roberts in the eighth, Niemann was replaced by Dan Wheeler.
Wheeler retired the only two men he faced and J.P. Howell came on to work a perfect ninth for his 14th save.
Tampa Bay began the night three games behind Boston and Texas in the American League wild-card chase. Baltimore has lost five straight.
The Rays came up with homers from Pat Burrell in the fourth, Ben Zobrist in the sixth and B.J. Upton in the seventh. They were all hit off Chris Tillman (1-1), who suffered his first major league loss in his fifth career start.
