The Tampa Bay Rays (26-6) defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates (20-12) 3-2 on Thursday afternoon at Tropicana Field. The win gives the Rays a sweep in the three game series against the Pirates, who came into the series with the best record in the National League.
The Rays used three solo homers to key the win in this one. Taylor Walls homered in the second, Randy Arozarena in the fourth and Yandy Diaz in the eighth to build a 3-0 lead.
Zach Eflin (4-0, 2.25) pitched seven shutout innings in which he allowed three hits while striking out ten and walking none. Jason Adam allowed two unearned runs to score in the ninth that pulled the Pirates within 3-2, but held on to earn his second save of the season.
The Rays now begin a three game series against the Yankees on Friday evening. First pitch between Tampa Bay and New York is scheduled for 6:40 PM on Friday evening - Ronnie & T-Kras begin pregame coverage with the Inside Pitch at 5:30 PM on 95.3 WDAE & AM 620.
PHOTO COURTESY GETTY IMAGES