Gonzalez's effort sets stage for dramatic rally

BALTIMORE -- Miguel Gonzalez didn't factor into Friday's decision. But the right-hander, who went a season-high eight innings, was a big part of why the Orioles were able to complete the 2-1 walk-off win over the Rays.

"Miguel was the difference," Orioles manager Buck Showalter said of the 96-pitch outing. "That's impressive. In the American League East, guys see him so much. There's no secrets. Miguel was as sharp as you want to see. It was tough not sending him back out there, but he had done his job at 96 [pitches]."

Gonzalez held Tampa Bay to one run on three hits, striking out six and not issuing a walk. He has gone at least seven innings in three of his past four starts, and posted his fifth start of the season in which he allowed one run or less.

"I felt really good," said Gonzalez, who is 1-1 with a 0.84 ERA in two starts against Tampa Bay this season. "I threw some good games against Tampa in Tampa. I think just staying within ourselves has been helping out a lot."

On the heels of Thursday's doubleheader, Gonzalez gave the Orioles some much-needed innings, and prevents them -- for at least one day -- from making a roster move. He was followed by righty Darren O'Day, who worked out of a bases-loaded, no-out jam in the ninth to ensure Gonzalez's effort wasn't wasted.

Video: TB@BAL: O'Day induces groundout to escape jam in 9th

"Miguel was awesome, about as good as I've seen him," said O'Day, who earned the win in relief. "We didn't want to go to extras. It was four games in just over 48 hours."