The Tampa Bay Rays (10-9) fell to the Kansas City Royals (10-7) 9-8 on Thursday night in Kansas City. The Royals avoided the sweep with a come-from-behind win, and Tampa Bay finishes the road trip with a 5-1 record while seeing their five game winning streak snapped.
The Rays had their chances in this one, building leads of 4-0 and 6-3. Kansas City answered, though, using a four-run seven inning to take a 7-6 lead. Tampa Bay fought back once again, tying the game in the eighth and taking an 8-7 lead in the 9th, but Kansas City had an answer in the bottom of the ninth. After tying the game on a sacrifice bunt from Nicky Perez, the Royals walked off with the win thanks to a base hit from Salvador Perez to end the game.
Brandon Lowe homered and Joey Wendle continued his tear to start the season, driving in three runs including the go-ahead run in the ninth inning, but it would not be enough to hold on. Michael Wacha allowed three earned runs on five hits in five and two-third innings of work for the Rays - it would be Diego Castillo (0-1, 2.79) taking the loss on the blown save in the ninth inning.
The Rays are now off Thursday before returning to Tropicana Field for a three game series against the Blue Jays beginning Friday night. First pitch Friday is scheduled for 7:10 PM - pregame coverage begins with Jay Recher and the Inside Pitch at 6 PM on 95.3 WDAE & AM 620.
PHOTO COURTESY GETTY IMAGES