Matt Garza yielded a run on five hits to win his third straight decision, and the Tampa Bay Rays didn't lose any ground in the playoff race, earning a 4-1 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on Friday night in the opener of a nine-game road trip.

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Garza tops O's to kick off Rays' road trip

Rookie right-hander Jeremy Hellickson fumbled for the right words on Friday when asked how he's adapting to his new role in the the Rays' bullpen. After all, he's yet to make a relief appearance since being recalled from Triple-A Durham on Sept. 1.

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Hellickson not worried about transition to 'pen

One of Rays skipper Joe Maddon's challenges in the coming days will be to find a way to get outfielder Rocco Baldelli into the Tampa Bay lineup.

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Maddon looking to get Baldelli in the lineup

Rays manager Joe Maddon received an honorary doctorate from Lafayette College in Easton, Pa., during Tampa Bay's off-day on Thursday.

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Maddon receives honorary doctorate degree

If Rafael Soriano continues to dominate the Major League Baseball Delivery Man Award this way, some might have to consider renaming it after him.

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Soriano garners another Delivery Man Award

A month remains on the Rays' 2010 schedule and, for once, their slate seems favorable as they head for the home stretch. Entering Thursday, Tampa Bay trailed the Yankees by one game in the AL East.

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Rays seem in good position for stretch run

The Rays' 2-1 win over the Blue Jays on Wednesday was the opposite of Tuesday's runfest but was still a thrill for David Price, who won his 16th, and Sean Rodriguez, who went 3-for-3.

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Price comes out on top of duel for 16th win

Tampa Bay will have an off-day Thursday to travel north to Baltimore. If the timing's right, the Rays will breeze into town at just about the same time as Hurricane Earl.

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Traveling Rays keep eye on Hurricane Earl

Starter Jeff Niemann was not only accountable for his part in Tuesday's 10-run sixth inning by the Blue Jays, but also almost cheerful one day after the difficult frame.

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Maddon isn't concerned about Niemann

The Rays reinstated Grant Balfour from the 15-day disable list and outrighted Dale Thayer to Triple-A Durham to clear room on the roster.

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Balfour activated after simulated game