The Tampa Bay Rays (43-31) defeated the Washington Nationals (40-38) 4-3 on Sunday afternoon at Tropicana Field to win the three game interleague series.
Both teams traded runs in the third inning - it the Rays half of the third, it was Yandy Diaz coming up with a RBI double to tie the game 1-1. The Nationals then scored singled runs in the fourth and sixth inning to take a 3-1 lead.
In the bottom of the sixth inning Ryan Vilade hit a solo shot to pull the Rays within 3-2. Then in the seventh inning, Jonny DeLuca hit a two-run homer to put the Rays ahead 4-3, which would prove to be the final score.
Nick Martinez got the start and pitched six innings in which he allowed three earned runs on four hits while striking out five and walking two. Garrett Cleavinger (2-2, 4.66) got the win out of the bullpen, before Kevin Kelly earned his tihrd save of the season after working a scoreless ninth inning.
The Rays remain at home and will welcome the Kansas City Royals to Tropicana Field for a four game series beginning on Monday night. Drew Rasmussen (6-3, 2.59) is scheduled to start against the Rays and face Michael Wacha (4-5, 3.64) for Kansas City. First pitch Monday is scheduled for 6:40 PM - pregame coverage begins with Ronnie Lane hosting Inside Pitch at 5:30 PM on 95.7 WDAE & AM 620, your Home of Rays Baseball.
COVER PHOTO COURTESY GETTY IMAGES