Manager Joe Maddon, despite public criticism, has not wavered in showing patience and faith in struggling center fielder B.J. Upton and catcher Dioner Navarro.
His confidence was rewarded Tuesday, as each got a big hit in the Rays' 6-3 victory over the Orioles. "It's nice to see B.J. and Navi get involved in a win today. I know it's going to do a lot for their confidence," Maddon said. "And as their confidence builds, you're going to see a more familiar player. ... To a certain extent, you feel like you've been letting the team down, everyone feels that way when you're not doing what you think you can do, so to really step up in that moment, both of those guys I'm sure they're feeling good about themselves going into tomorrow."
Navarro, who hadn't had an extra-base hit since April 18, snapped an 0-for-11 skid and had a double and a single that factored in the game-tying and go-ahead rallies.
And Upton snapped a career-worst 0-for-20 streak with a double that put the Rays ahead, picking up just his third RBI of the season.
"That's very big for him," Maddon said. "He's truly been grinding it out."
RAYS 6, ORIOLES 3: The Rays rallied from a 3-1 deficit for a badly needed win and a series split with last-place Baltimore. AL Player of the Month Evan Longoria knocked in three more runs, and Matt Garza worked eight-plus solid innings. The Rays now head out on a seven-game road trip to New York, Boston and Baltimore.
