The Tampa Bay Rays (24-6) defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates (20-10) 4-1 on Tuesday night at Tropicana Field.
Harold Ramirez gave the Rays a 1-0 lead with a RBI single in the bottom of the fourth, before the Pirates tied the game in the top of the fifth 1-1. The Rays took the lead back in the bottom of the fifth with a RBI single from Wander Franco. The Rays then successfully executed a double steal (with Jose Siri stealing home and Wander stealing second) to make it 3-1.
Harold Ramirez added a solo home run in the bottom of the sixth to make it 4-1. All told Ramirez finished the game 2-for-3 with two RBIs and a run scored.
Josh Fleming came into the game after Javy Guerra opened, but had to leave the game when after being hit by a ball on his left foot. The Rays aid initial X-rays of Fleming's left foot did not show a fracture, and that he would be re-evaluated on Wednesday morning.
Colin Poche (1-0, 1.59) picked up the win out of the bullpen, while Jason Adam worked a scoreless ninth inning for his first save of the season.
The Rays and Pirates now meet in the second game of the three game series on Wednesday night. First pitch Wednesday is scheduled for 6:40 PM - Ronnie & T-Kras begin pregame coverage with the Inside Pitch at 5:30 PM on 95.3 WDAE & AM 620.
PHOTO COURTESY GETTY IMAGES