The Tampa Bay Rays pulled within one game of the Baltimore Orioles in the American League East standings on Tuesday night with a thrilling 4-3 victory. The Rays got off to a quick start, scoring two runs in the first inning on a two-run home run by first baseman Ji-Man Choi. The Orioles responded with a run in the bottom of the first, but the Rays were able to hold on to the lead for the remainder of the game.
The Rays’ offense was led by Choi, who finished the night with two hits and three RBIs. Choi’s home run in the first inning gave the Rays an early lead, and his RBI single in the fourth inning extended their lead to 3-1. The Orioles were able to cut the deficit to one run in the bottom of the sixth, but the Rays’ bullpen was able to shut down the Orioles’ offense for the remainder of the game.
The Rays’ pitching staff was led by starter Blake Snell, who allowed just one run over five innings of work. Snell struck out seven batters and walked just one, and he was able to keep the Orioles’ offense at bay. The bullpen was also impressive, as Diego Castillo, Chaz Roe, and Emilio Pagan combined to pitch four scoreless innings. Pagan earned his fifth save of the season with a scoreless ninth inning.
The win was a big one for the Rays, as it pulled them within one game of the Orioles in the AL East standings. The Rays have been playing well lately, winning four of their last five games. With the win, the Rays are now just one game behind the Orioles for the division lead.
The Rays will look to build on their momentum as they face off against the Orioles again on Wednesday night. If they can come away with another win, they will be just one game out of first place in the AL East standings. It should be an exciting game, and one that could have major implications for the AL East race.
