The Tampa Bay Rays (19-10) fell to the Kansas City Royals (10-20) 3-2 in the first game of a traditional doubleheader on Monday afternoon.
The Royals got all the offense they needed off opener Ryne Stanek - Adalberto Mondesi hit a two run blast before Kelvin Gutierrez had an RBI groundout to give the Royals a 3-0 lead after the first inning. The second inning saw the Rays answer, however, as Willy Adames drove in two with a double to pull within 3-2. Unfortunately, that was as close as the Rays would get - Tampa Bay had many opportunities late, including in the 8th and 9th inning, but Kansas City was able to shut the door and get the win in the first game of the day.
After Stanek (0-1, 2.81) was pulled for Jalen Beeks in the second inning, Beeks was able to throw a strong six and two thirds innings. He did not allow a run, striking out six and walking two, before giving way to Hunter Wood who was able to close the door on the Royals in the eighth. Jakob Junis (3-2, 5.12) got the win for Kansas City after going six and a third innings in which he allowed two earned runs on six hits while striking out two and walking two. Ian Kennedy got the save, pitching the final two innings and allowing two hits but no runs to close the game.
The Rays and Royals meet in the third game of the series, and the second game of the day, at around 4:35. Keep it locked to 95.3 WDAE and AM 620 for the absolute latest.