The Cleveland Guardians (16-16) defeated the Tampa Bay Rays (18-12) 3-1 on Wednesday afternoon in Cleveland to avoid a sweep. With the loss, the Rays saw their winning streak snapped at six games.
Cleveland got a sacrifice fly from Kyle Manzardo in the third before Chase DeLauter had a two-run single in the fifth to make it 3-0. The Rays only offense came from a fielder's choice from Jake Fraley in the seventh inning to pull within 3-1 - that would be as close as the Rays would get.
Drew Rasmussen (2-1, 2.64) took the loss for the Rays, allowing three runs, two of them earned, on six hits in five innings of work while striking out six and walking one. Gavin Williams (5-1, 2.70) got the win for the Guardians after pitching seven and two-third innings in which he allowed one unearned run on five hits while striking out nine and walking one.
The Rays now return home - they are off on Thursday before beginning a three-game series against the San Francisco Giants on Friday night. First pitch Friday is scheduled for 7:10 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