Tonight: Rays vs. Orioles

By Times staff writers

© St. Petersburg Times, published June 1, 2000

At a Glance

• WHEN/WHERE: 7:15; Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg.

• TV/RADIO: Fox Sports Net; WFLA-AM 970, WLCC-AM 760 (Spanish).PITCHERS: Baltimore -- RHP Scott Erickson. Tampa Bay -- RHP Bryan Rekar.

• NOTES: Rekar is 1-3 and making his fifth start this season. ... He lost his second straight in his last outing, giving up four runs on seven hits through 5 1/3 innings against Seattle. ... Rekar is 1-0 lifetime against the Orioles, winning April 21 when he allowed three earned runs on eight hits through 6 2/3 innings. ... Erickson is 2-1 this season with a 7.48 ERA in five starts. ... Opponents are hitting .345 against him. ... He opened the season on the disabled list after having bone chips removed from his right elbow. He made his first start May 5 at Yankee Stadium.

You don't say

The Devil Rays have some heavy eaters who can put away some food.

The Rays also have some steak lovers. In fact, a small group of players gets together on road trips to enjoy a nice steak dinner.

Orioles have the best of both worlds.

Baltimore outfielder Jeff Conine visited Tampa's Bern's Steak House after Monday's game, finishing off a 60-ounce steak. That's right: 60 ounces, just under 4 pounds.

And to make sure he doesn't get slighted, Conine noted the steak was aged (to avoid shrinkage) and the chefs cut off the fat and replaced it with meat.

"After 30 ounces it started to become work," Conine said.

Rays pitcher Dave Eiland has been known to eat a 32-ounce porterhouse but considers Roberto Hernandez the dean of Devil Rays steak eaters. Hernandez wouldn't reveal his largest bovine binge, but he said it paled in comparison with Conine's.

"I can't top that. Not even close," Hernandez said.

Countdown to 400

Devil Rays first baseman Fred McGriff is closing in on another milestone, 400 home runs. There have been 30 players to hit 400. Here is an update of McGriff's pursuit:

• CAREER TOTAL: 399

• WEDNESDAY: 1-for-3, home run

• HOMERS TO GO: 1

© St. Petersburg Times. All rights reserved.

Headlines

Americans Lose in 1st Round of Davis Cup

---