The Tampa Bay Rays (27-13) defeated the Toronto Blue Jays (18-23) 8-5 on Monday night to claim the series opener in Toronto.
The Rays offense had 12 hits on the game, led by three from Chandler Simpson and three from Richie Palacios. Jonathan Aranda also went 2-for-3, including a home run and three RBIs. Tampa Bay got three in the first and two in the second inning to build an early 5-0 lead. From there, they added single runs in the fourth, fifth and seventh inning that would be the difference in the game.
Drew Rasmussen (3-1, 3.16) got the win, allowing three earned runs on four hits in six innings of work in which he struck out six and walked one. Bryan Baker earned his eleventh save of the year after working a perfect ninth nning.
The Rays will now look to make it two in a row agianst the Blue Jays on Tuesday night. First pitch Tuesday night is scheduled for 7:07 PM - pregame coverage begins with Ronnie Lane hosting Inside Pitch at 6:00 PM on 95.7 WDAE & AM 620, your Home of Rays Baseball.
COVER PHOTO COURTESY GETTY IMAGES