The Tampa Bay Rays (32-29) defeated the Texas Rangers (29-33) 5-4 on Wednesday night at Steinbrenner Field to win their second straight game and clinch a series victory. The Rays are now three games above .500, matching the team's high-water mark of the season.
The Rays got a solo homer from Brandon Lowe in the first, before erupting with a four-run third that saw the Rays send all nine batters to the plate. Those runs would prove to be crucial when the Rangers answered with three in the fifth and pulled within one in the ninth inning. However, Pete Fairbanks was able to close out the game and earn his 11th save of the year.
Shane Baz (5-3, 4.96) got the win allowing three earned run on five hits while striking out five and walking one.
The Rays will now try to sweep the Texas Rangers coming up on Thursday night. First pitch Thursday is scheduled for 7:35 PM - pregame coverage begins with Ronnie Lane hosting Inside Pitch at 6:30 PM on 95.3 WDAE & AM 620.
COVER PHOTO COURTESY GETTY IMAGES