Hess, Orioles overcome Rays bullpen for 2-0 win

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- David Hess and the Baltimore Orioles made defense the difference in a tight battle against Tampa Bay's hard-working bullpen.

Hess pitched four-hit ball into the seventh inning, and Baltimore retired three runners on the bases in the first four innings to beat the Rays 2-0 on Friday night.

Hess (2-1) began his third major league start by allowing a double to Brad Miller, but then he turned around and picked Miller off second base.

"To be able to have a clean slate after that makes a big difference," Hess said. "Then you're able to kind of lock in and keep going."

Mallex Smith was later caught stealing, and Joey Wendle was thrown out trying to advance on a pitch that got…