The Tampa Bay Rays beat the Texas Rangers 7-6 to improve to 84-57 and extend their AL East lead over the New York Yankees to four games. Nick Martinez earned his 14th win, while Bryan Baker's early exit creates a potential injury concern.
The Tampa Bay Rays bounce back in a big way as they take down the Texas Rangers 7-6 in the middle game of the series on the road.
The team moves to 84-57 on the season, and after a loss to the New York Yankees on Friday night, they now hold a four-game lead in the American League East standings.
Here's what you need to know from the contest.
Bats go big time.
It was a great night for the Tampa Bay offense as they picked up 12 hits and two home runs against the Rangers' pitching staff.
Rangers starting pitcher Kumar Rocker picked up his 11th loss of the season after coming in following two openers. In the third inning, he then allowed nine hits, including both home runs, one to Jonathan Aranda and Richie Palacios to help Tampa Bay get the lead.
Tampa Bay took full Advantage of their base runners, as they went 5 for 10 with runners in scoring position. The momentum that the Rays' batting order continues to show gives plenty of confidence heading into the final weeks of the season.
Martinez continues to show consistency.
It was another great outing for the Rays' all-star pitcher Nick Martinez, as he picks up his 14th win of the season after once again providing length for Kevin Cash in Tampa Bay.
Martinez went 6.1 innings after throwing 90 pitches and only allowed 5 hits and 3 earned runs. Another quality start from the veteran.
Tyler Wells picked up his sixth save of the season after his emergency appearance in the bottom of the ninth inning.
Concerns with the closer?
That may not be a phrase I've used at all this season for the Tampa Bay Rays, and in fact, I'm still not talking about it when discussing performance, but Bryan Baker left the game after only throwing 15 pitches and not recording an out in the bottom of the ninth inning on Friday night.
With injury concerns already affecting pitchers like Shane McClanahan, it's worth monitoring: an injured list stint might keep the Rays' pitcher out for the remainder of the regular season.
At the time of this report, nothing has been announced regarding the reason for Baker's removal from the game.
The Rays will look to get an advantage in the series in Arlington on Saturday as they continue the four-game stretch against the Texas Rangers. Drew Rasmussen will take the mound for the Rays as he looks for his 15th win of the season. He'll take on Jacob deGrom for the Rangers. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 pm Eastern Time.
