Written by Nick Porcelli — Fan Stream Sports
The Tampa Bay Rays would avenge their loss to the Texas Rangers from the previous day by winning 7-3 on Sunday to clinch the series win.
The Rays would start strong by scoring runs in back-to-back innings, 1st and 2nd, to go up 4-0. However, that large lead would quickly be shrunken down to just one when the Rangers scored three runs in the 3rd. However, Wander Franco would once again widen the margin by hitting a three-run home run in the 4th to go up 7-3. After that, the Rays’ defense would do their part by not allowing the Rangers to score another run, securing the win for the Rays.
Leading the way for the defense was some really solid pitching. Stater Shane McClanahan threw for seven innings and, outside of the 3rd inning where he gave up three runs on three hits, only allowed one hit and struck out five batters. His long performance earned him his 10th win and it would also not force the Rays to overuse their bullpen. They would only use two more pitchers, both of whom only pitched for a single inning. Colin Poche and Jason Adams would combine to give up one hit and strike out two more batters.
Thanks to some good hitting and good pitching, the Rays not earned the series win, but they earned back-to-back victories over division-leading teams, previously having swept the AL Central-leading Minnesota Twins.
What’s Next?
The Rays will now travel to Oakland to begin a three-game series against the A’s, a team they swept in a previous series back in April. Zach Eflin will be the Rays’ starter in Game 1.
Rays’ Best player Of The Game
Wander Franco
Went two-for-four at the plate with three RBIs, all of which came from his home run in the 4th. A shoutout should be given to Harold Ramírez, who was a perfect three-for-three at the plate with a single RBI.
Rays’ Best Play of the Game
Franco’s Three-Run Home Run