The Tampa Bay Rays (20-3) defeated the Houston Astros (12-11) 8-3 on Monday evening at Tropicana Field. The Rays improve their modern day record start at home to a stunning 14-0.
After the Astros took a 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning, Randy Arozarena helped answer with an RBI triple in the bottom of the first inning. Harold Ramirez added a RBI double to tie the game 2-2.
Houston scored again in the top of the third, but the Rays answered in the bottom of the frame with a four-run outburst to take control. Tampa Bay added runs in the sixth and seventh to turn the game into a blowout.
Wander Franco contributed a wild defensive play with a catch in foul territory in left field in the fifth inning.
Taj Bradley (3-0, 3.52) picked up the win after allowing three earned runs on four hits while striking out six and walking none.
The Rays and Astros meet in the second game of a three game series on Tuesday night. Drew Rasmussen is expected to start the game for the Rays, while Luis Garcia is the scheduled starter for the Astros. First pitch Tuesday is scheduled for 6:40 PM - Ronnie & T-Kras begin pregame coverage at 5:30 PM on 95.3 WDAE & AM 620.
PHOTO COURTESY GETTY IMAGES