Rays 5, Orioles 0: David Price allowed three hits in 7 1/3 innings and Hideki Matsui homered as host Tampa Bay took over sole possession of first place in the American League East.

Luke Scott drove in two runs in the five-run first inning and Sean Rodriguez added a sacrifice fly for the Rays, who moved a game ahead of Baltimore.

The Orioles have dropped six straight games, including four in a row against division opponents, while scoring an average of 2.3 runs.

Price (7-3) did not allow a batter to reach base until the fifth inning, when Matt Wieters delivered a one-out single. Baltimore loaded the bases with two walks and a hit in the sixth but Price got J.J. Hardy to fly out deep to center.

The left-hander walked two and struck out five in his sixth straight outing of at least seven innings.

Wei-Yin Chen (4-2) ran into trouble right away, allowing a leadoff double to Carlos Pena. Pena was cut down at home on a fielder’s choice but Tampa Bay loaded the bases with one out for Scott, who lifted a single into center.

Rodriguez followed with his RBI and Matsui capped the rally with his second home run in three games since being recalled.

The Orioles loaded the bases in the ninth but Fernando Rodney came on to get the last two outs and record his 17th save.

Chen lasted 5 2/3 innings and was charged with five runs on five hits while walking four and striking out five.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Chen has allowed five or more earned runs in two of his last three starts after holding his first seven opponents to three or less. … Rays OF Desmond Jennings (knee) went 1-for-4 in a rehab game for Triple-A Durham on Friday. … Baltimore RF Nick Markakis underwent surgery Friday to remove part of the hamate bone from his right wrist.