The Tampa Bay Rays (77-48) defeated the Chicago White Sox (72-51) 9-0 on Sunday afternoon at Tropicana Field. The win gives Tampa Bay a series win over the White Sox in the three game series between two division-leading teams.
The Rays lead atop the AL East is now 4.5 games over the Yankees, the the Rays may have some key injury issues to address. Designated hitter Nelson Cruz was placed on the COVID-related injury list before the game - then Chris Archer, pitching for the first time since April 10th, left the game after only two shutout innings due to left hip tightness. First baseman Ji-Man Choi also was pulled from the game in the second inning with left hamstring tightness.
The Rays offense got started in the first inning when Austin Meadows drove in Ji-Man Choi to make it 1-0. The Rays added two more in the third, then two in the sixth, to begin to pull away en route to a 9-0 win. Austin Meadows finished the game 3-for-4 with three RBIs to set the pace.
Shawn Armstrong (1-0, 7.20) picked up the win after going two shutout innings in relief of Chris Archer. Josh Fleming picked up a three inning save, his first of the season, by pitching the final three innings while allowing no runs and only three hits.
The Rays are now off on Monday before beginning a key two game series against the Phillies on Tuesday night. First pitch from Philadelphia Tuesday is scheduled for 7:05 PM - pregame coverage begins with Jay Recher and the Inside Pitch at 6:00 PM on 95.3 WDAE & AM 620.
PHOTO COURTESY GETTY IMAGES