Rays Snap Four-Game Losing Streak Behind Explosive Seventh Inning

The Tampa Bay Rays are back in the win column. 

The team returned home to begin a six-game homestand on Friday and picked up an 8-5 win against the Los Angeles Angels to snap their four-game losing streak.

Nick Martinez got things started for the Rays on the mound, and, as he has all season, he was incredible. He went seven innings and only allowed two earned runs off eight hits. He picked up five strikeouts and did not award the Angels with any free bases. He now moves to 1.62 ERA on the season and continues to be seen as a frontrunner for the American League Cy Young award. 

The Rays also got the scoring started first with a Yandy Diaz solo home run. The Tampa Bay designated hitter continued to keep his bat hot so far this season and picked up his 10th long ball of the year. 

Diaz wasn’t done, however, as he started a home run party in the seventh inning to give the Rays the lead. His second of the day marked three RBIs on the night. Jonathan Aranda followed him with a deep ball himself to push the Tampa Bay lead 4-2. 

The run continued to flood in for the Rays in the seventh as the team put up seven before the frame was over. 

The Rays needed some energy after the rough road trip, and having a big crowd at Tropicana, great pitching, and the lineup waking up was the perfect recipe. Seven of the Rays' starting lineup reached base safely, exactly what you need as you look to put that losing streak behind you.

Ben Williamson returned to the active roster after spending some time on the injured list recovering from a lower back strain. He got the start at shortstop for the series opener and went 1 for 2 at the plate with a single and a strikeout. He was replaced by Oliver Dunn as a defensive replacement in the bottom of the ninth inning. 

The two teams will face off on Saturday as Tampa Bay will look for another series win at home. Drew Rasmussen (4-1, 2.78 ERA) will get the start for the Rays. He will take on Angels left-hander Reid Detmers (1-5, 4.57 ERA). First pitch is scheduled for 4:10 PM EST.