The Tampa Bay Rays (10-8) defeated the Seattle Mariners (11-7) 3-2 on Wednesday evening at Tropicana Field.
After Randy Arozarena walked to lead off the first, Tampa Bay took advantage of an error that allowed him to advance to third when he tried to steal second. Then Harold Ramirez hit an infield single that deflected off pitcher Marco Gonzales and allowed Arozarena to score.
Gonzales (1-2, 3.86) was injured on the play with what Seattle called a left wrist contusion, and was replaced by Yohan Ramirez.
Kevin Kiermaier hit a two-run home run in the fourth to make it 3-0. Seattle got their offense in the form of two solo home runs - from J.P. Crawford in the seventh and Abraham Toro in the ninth - but the Rays would hold on for a 3-2 win.
Drew Rasmussen (1-1, 3.50) was sharp for the Rays, pitching six shutout innings in which he allowed two hits while striking out nine and walking one. Andrew Kittredge picked up his third save of the season, allowing one earned run in the ninth.
The Rays will now look to win the series against Seattle when they meet in the series finale on Thursday afternoon. First pitch is scheduled for 1:10 PM - pregame coverage begins with Jay Recher hosting the Inside Pitch at high noon on 95.3 WDAE & AM 620.
PHOTO COURTESY GETTY IMAGES