Rays 3, Orioles 1: Jeremy Hellickson allowed three hits in 6 1/3 innings to snap a nine-start winless streak as visiting Tampa Bay took the opener of a three-game series.

Brooks Conrad hit a two-run homer and Jeff Keppinger singled in a run for the Rays, who pulled to within a game of the Orioles for second place in the American League East and inched closer to a wild-card spot.

Hellickson surrendered a solo home run to All-Star Adam Jones in the fourth inning but Tampa Bay, which had totaled two runs in losing its previous two games, came through with a pair in the fifth. Sam Fuld, who was activated off the disabled list on Tuesday and making his season debut, drew a walk and Conrad followed a batter later, taking a 1-2 breaking ball deep into the left field seats for his second blast.

Hellickson (5-6) retired eight of the last nine batters he faced and was charged with one run while striking out four. The right-hander did not issue a walk.

Orioles starter Wei-Yin Chen (8-6) was the tough-luck loser, allowing three runs on four hits while walking three and striking out five.

The Rays tacked on an insurance run when Keppinger singled home B.J. Upton in the sixth and two relievers bridged the gap to Fernando Rodney, who worked around a pair of walks in the ninth for his 28th save.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Rays 3B Evan Longoria (hamstring) worked out on the field prior to the game and will have another on-field workout before a decision is made about a rehab assignment. … Tampa Bay OF Desmond Jennings went 1-for-5 out of the leadoff spot in the lineup. He was back in the top spot after a nine-game stint in the No. 7 slot, during which he hit .333. … Orioles pitchers have posted a quality start in each of the last seven games.