The Tampa Bay Rays (44-19) shut out the Minnesota Twins (31-30) 7-0 on Tuesday afternoon at Tropicana Field. The win is the fourth consecutive win for the Rays, who began a six-game homestand that will see them play the Twins and Texas Rangers.
Zach Eflin (8-1, 2.97) set the pace in this game, pitching six and two-third shutout innings in which he allowed three hits while striking out nine and walking one. Jalen Beeks and Jake Diekman came out of the bullpen to complete the shutout.
The Rays offense erupted for three in the fourth inning thanks to RBIs from Randy Arozarena, Christian Bethancourt and Vidal Brujan. Luke Raley hit a massive two-run homer to center in the fifth inning, while Jose Siri added a solo shot in the seventh inning, as Minnesota was never able to answer.
The Rays and Twins now meet in the second game of their three game series on Wednesday night. First pitch Wednesday is scheduled for 6:40 PM - Ronnie & T-Kras begin pregame coverage with the Inside Pitch at 5:30 PM on 95.3 WDAE & AM 620, your Home of Rays Baseball.
PHOTO COURTESY GETTY IMAGES