by : Jay Recher
@jayRecher
A leadoff home run by Ian Kinsler was all the offense Detroit could muster against the solid pitching from Tampa Bay as the Rays completed the series sweep with a 8-1 victory over the Tigers on Thursday afternoon at Tropicana Field.
Getting the start for Jake Odorizzi, who is on the DL with a hamstring strain, was Erasmo Ramirez and he was nearly unhittable after the Kinsler homer. Ramirez (2-0) threw five innings giving up only two hits, that one run to Kinsler and striking out five.
Tampa Bay didn't take long to even things up as Steven Souza Jr. came home on a throwing error by Detroit shortstop Dixon Machado to tie it up at 1 in the bottom half of the 1st.
Souza had one heck of a day as he went 3 for 5 with a double, triple, home run and three runs batted in.
His partner at the top of the order, Kevin Kiermaier, also had a nice day going 2 for 3 with a home run, a walk, a sacrifice bunt and two runs batted in.
Rookie infielder Daniel Robertson hit his first Major League home run with a no-doubter to left field in the 8th inning.
Daniel Norris got the start for the Tigers and couldn't make it out of the 5th inning. Norris (1-1) went 4 2/3 innings giving up eight hits, five runs (four earned), two walks and struck out four.
What's Next For the Rays : The Rays are back in action tomorrow night as they welcome the visiting Houston Astros to town for the first game of a three-game set. Tampa Bay will send RHP Alex Cobb (1-1, 4.50) to the mound and Houston will counter with RHP Mike Fiers (0-1, 5.40). First pitch is scheduled for 7:10pm with our coverage starting at 6pm with the Inside Pitch ONLY on 620WDAE and 95.3FM, Home of the Rays!