The Tampa Bay Rays are thankfully glad to be done with the Seattle Mariners for the 2021 season, and they're even more thankful to come out of the series with a 4-3 win on Wednesday afternoon at Tropicana Field, marking the Rays first and only win over Seattle in their six meetings.
Josh Fleming pitched five strong innings for Tampa Bay, earning his ninth win, and Rays catcher Mike Zunino capped off the scoring for the Rays with a solo homer, his 21st, in the sixth inning.
With a 4-2 lead in the eighth, Seattle looked as if they might tie the game, but Rays reliever Matt Wisler, who had given up a leadoff double to J.P. Crawford and a single to Mitch Haniger, escaped that situation, allowing only Crawford to score on a wild-pitch strikeout of Ty France. Wisler then got the next two hitters, Kyle Seager and Abraham Toro to fly out to Brett Phillips, leaving the eighth with a 4-3 lead.
The Mariners opened the scoring in the third, as Fleming walked Dylan Moore with two outs. Moore then stole second, the first stolen base allowed by Fleming this season, then was brought home on a single by Crawford.
In the bottom of the third, Brandon Lowe led off with a bloop double, which was followed by a Ji-Man Choi walk. Randy Arozarena then stepped to the plate and lined a two-run triple past Seattle center fielder Jarred Kelenic to give the Rays the 2-1 lead. Joey Wendle then followed up with a sac fly to make the score 3-1.
Ryan Sherriff retired the Mariners in order in the ninth for his first save of the season.
Up next for the Rays is a trip to Baltimore to play the Orioles, and hopefully extend their lead in the AL East. 95.3 WDAE will have coverage starting Friday at 6 pm with Jay Recher and the Inside Pitch. Neil Solondz follows with the Rays Network pregame show at 6:30, followed by the game with Dave Wills and Andy Freed.
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