Evan Longoria homers twice as Tampa Bay Rays beat Texas Rangers 8-4 – MLB Update
Tampa Bay Rays managed to avoid a humiliating series sweep as they rout the Texas Rangers 8-4 at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, Texas on Wednesday, August 29 in the finale of their three match series.
Ben Zobrist doubled to left and Evan Longoria homered to centre in the first inning to give Rays’ a vital 3-0 lead. B.J. Upton continued his incredible hitting form as he smacked a three run home-run to left in the second inning to stretch the lead to 6-0.
Third baseman Elliot Johnson added a solo home-run in the sixth and Longoria hit his second home-run of the game in the ninth to ensure Tampa Bay reach home safe and sound.
Starting pitcher Alex Cobb gave up eight hits and four runs in four plus innings. However, it was relief pitcher Jake McGee who grabbed the win with, striking-out one batter in a scoreless inning.
"Our hitters have a decent history against him," Tampa Bay manager Joe Maddon said of Rangers’ starter Matt Harrison. "I think it's one of those things where our guys see him pretty well. And perhaps he doesn't see them that well."
"We knew we had to jump out fast," said B.J. Upton, who hit a three run home-run. "We did that and kind of kept our foot down after that."
In some ways, it was an extremely important win for the Rays who are fighting hard to stay in the playoff race. Right now, Joe Maddon and company are placed third on the American League East Division standings table just four games behind the leader New
York Yankees.
Credit must be given to them for coming through tough situations this season. It will be interesting to see if the Rays can continue their good work at this crucial time of the season to make it to the playoffs.
Rangers, on the other hand, will be disgusted with their effort in Game 3. After edging their opponent in first two games of the series, they had an outstanding chance to complete a sweep but that did not turn out to be the case.
Tags: