After scoring a combined two runs in successive defeats and uncertain about the status of their hard-hitting first baseman, the Baltimore Orioles are limping into their showdown with Tampa Bay for first place in the AL East.
Richie Palacios homered, rookie Drew Rom and four relievers combined on a three-hitter and the St. Louis Cardinals beat Baltimore 1-0 Wednesday night to trim the Orioles' lead in the division to two games.
To make matters worse, Baltimore first baseman Ryan Mountcastle was pulled from the game in the third inning with left shoulder discomfort, and afterward he wasn't too optimistic about bouncing right back.