The Rays dropped the series opener to the White Sox as Nick Martinez endured one of his toughest starts of the season. Junior Caminero's 30th home run was the lone bright spot as Tampa Bay looks to bounce back behind Drew Rasmussen on Saturday.
The Tampa Bay Rays fell in the series opener at Tropicana Field to the Chicago White Sox 6-1 on Friday night.
The team moves to 64-45 on the season and still holds the lead as the best team inside the American League. Here's what you need to know about the contest
Not the best outing for Martinez
Nick Martinez struggled on the mound on Friday as he allowed six earned runs and four home runs against the Chicago White Sox. His seven hits allowed and only two strikeouts was one of the worst outings Martinez has seen on the season. He moves to 10-3 on the year.
On a plus note, the Rays' pitching staff following Martinez was flawless. Alexander Cook and Chris Roikroft were both brilliant in their three innings of combined work.
Rays bats go cold
It wasn't the best outing for the offense for the Tampa Bay Rays as they only found a way to pick up five hits in the entire contest. The team struck out nine times, including six strikeouts from White Sox starter Eric Fedde.
When the Rays would find some momentum, they couldn't capitalize. The team was 0 for 6 with runners in scoring position and only found two extra-base hits, including junior Caminero's home run in the fourth inning.
It was home run number 30 on the year for Caminero, a major feat heading into August.
The team will be back in action on Saturday for game two of the series at Tropicana vs. the White Sox. Drew Rasmussen (9-5, 3.07 ERA) will get the start for the Rays and will look to rebound after his All-Star teammate had a sour start in the opener. He will face right-hander Jordan Hicks (1-1, 3.19 ERA) for Chicago. First pitch is scheduled for 4:10 PM EST.
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