Since his May 5 no-hitter, John Means’ starts have earned holiday status from the Orioles’ fanbase. But by day’s end, there hasn’t been much to celebrate.
In Means’ first start since landing on the injured list with a left shoulder strain a month after that dominant performance, the Tampa Bay Rays tagged the All-Star left-hander for five runs in five innings, leading to their 9-3 victory over Baltimore on Tuesday night in St. Petersburg, Florida. The Orioles have fallen in all six of Means’ starts since the no-hitter.
Tuesday’s outing marked Means’ first in the majors in more than six weeks after he exited his June 5 start in the first inning.