A low scoring affair goes the Rays way
Despite a flurry of trade-related roster activity, the Rays continued their winning ways and won another series Sunday afternoon. This time, they took two of three from the Reds thanks to some late inning runs and an effective bullpen day. The win pushed their record to two games over .500 for the first time since May 19th.
The story of the day has to be Rays pitching as six pitchers combined to hold the Reds to just a run. Armstrong opened and tossed two innings. He surrendered the lone run the Reds would score on a ground ball up the middle. The 1-0 lead for the Reds would hold until the late innings.
Following Armstrong, Uceta, Rodriguez, Zuber, Cleavinger, and Fairbanks combined for seven scoreless innings and nine strikeouts. Uceta was dominant once again, striking out four in two innings. Zuber also struck out a pair in two innings of work. Fairbanks was credited with his 20th save, while Cleavinger earned the win.
Taylor Walls grounded out to start the bottom of the eighth inning. Yandy followed with a walk, and Caballero entered as a pinch runner. Lowe tallied an infield single to third, and Paredes (In his last at-bat as a Ray) walked to load the bases. Josh Lowe struck out.
Down to their final out, Rosario struck out swinging but reached as the ball bounced and got away from Reds catcher, Austin Wynns. The game was tied 1-1, but not for long as Palacios walked to drive in another run. The Rays would take a 2-1 lead into the ninth inning, and Fairbanks would shut the door.
The Rays now sit at 54-52 and following an off day tomorrow will play the Miami Marlins for a pair of games at home prior to traveling to Houston for a three game set agains the Astros.
