The Latest Breaking News from Jorge Mateo

Miami (AFP) - Tampa Bay pitcher Drew Rasmussen came within three outs of the first perfect game in Rays history Sunday, only for Baltimore's Jorge Mateo to step in.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The anticipation of the moment grew around Tropicana Field. As Drew Rasmussen trotted to the mound for the ninth inning, Tampa Bay Rays fans rose to their feet, cell phones in hand, waiting to document history.

BALTIMORE — Moments earlier, as Jorge López made his way slowly off the mound, Adley Rutschman did what he always does. He waited for the Orioles right-hander, put his arm around him and helped him to the dugout after López allowed his third homer in the last four days.

The Sox (34-37) averted falling to a season-high five games below .500, which would have cast more scrutiny as they embark to the West Coast to face the Angels and Giants.

CHICAGO — Jorge Mateo took Michael Kopech’s 99-mph fastball to the ribs, and then the jawing began. Soon, members of the Orioles and Chicago White Sox streamed onto the field from the dugouts and bullpens to continue the discussion. Although tempers remained high, players and coaches returned to where they…

But the bigger concern is the Sox’ offense, which managed only one hit Friday.

BALTIMORE — The ball off Adley Rutschman’s bat rattled its way into the right-field corner, allowing the catcher to cruise into second base with a double. That was as close as the Orioles would get to crossing home plate Tuesday night against the Washington Nationals.

The Orioles’ bullpen is an amalgamation of waiver claims, failed starters and longtime minor leaguers getting their first extended major league opportunities. Unexpectedly tasked with a rubber game against the Tampa Bay Rays, that relief corps again delivered for Baltimore.

For all the platitudes the Orioles give about their mentality — how they never give up — Friday night at Fenway Park was real, tangible evidence to support those statements.