The Kansas City Royals (15-15) defeated the Tampa Bay Rays (14-15) 3-1 on Tuesday night at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa. The loss snaps Tampa Bay's winning streak at five games.
Kansas City built a 2-0 lead early with single runs in the first and second innings. Junior Caminero hit a solo homer to pull within 2-1 in the fourth, but that would be the only offense the Rays would get on the night. Kansas City added some insurance with a run in the ninth to help clinch the win.
Taj Bradley (2-2, 4.58) was good for the Rays, allowing just two earned runs in seven innings on five hits while striking out two and walking three. Michael Lorenzen (3-3, 3.48) was just a little better, allowing one earned run on four hits in his six innings of work.
The Rays will now try to even the three-game series when they meet in the middle game coming up on Wednesday night. First pitch Wednesday is scheduled for 7:05 PM - pregame coverage begins with Ronnie Lane hosting the Inside Pitch at 6:00 PM on 95.3 WDAE & AM 620.
COVER PHOTO COURTESY GETTY IMAGES