The Tampa Bay Rays (48-39) defeated the Athletics (36-53) 6-5 on Wednesday afternoon at Steinbrenner Field. With the win, the Rays avoided being swept in the short three-game homestand.
The As built an early 2-0 lead in the top of the second, before Jake Mangum hit an inside-the-park homer to pull within 2-1. The Rays then put together a five-run sixth to take a 6-2 lead. The As got three runs back in the ninth and had the bases loaded to make it interesting, but Edwin Uceta was able to get the final three outs to earn his first save of the season.
Ryan Pepiot (6-6, 3.34) got the start and earned the win, allowing two earned runs on four hits while striking out nine and walking three in six innings of work. In addition to Mangum's inside-the-park home run, the Rays also got homers from Josh Lowe and Yandy Diaz to help key the offense.
The Rays will now be off on Thursday before going on a three-city, ten-game road trip beginning in Minnesota on the Fourth of July. First pitch on Friday between the Rays and Twins is scheduled for 4:10 PM - pregame coverage begins with Ronnie Lane hosting Inside Pitch at 3:00 PM on 95.3 WDAE & AM 620, your Home of Rays Baseball.
COVER PHOTO COURTESY GETTY IMAGES