The Atlanta Braves (59-28) defeated the Tampa Bay Rays (57-34) 2-1 on Friday night at Tropicana Field. The loss extended Tampa Bay's season-long losing streak to six games.
In what was expected to be a tremendous pitching matchup between Tyler Glasnow for the Rays and former Ray Charlie Morton for Atlanta, the game lived up to the billing. Wander Franco hit a solo home run in the bottom of the first for Tampa Bay, before Sean Murphy hit a two-run blast in the top of the fourth - and that would be all the offense of the night.
Tyler Glasnow (2-3, 4.10) struck out eight in five and two thirds innings of work before leaving in the sixth due to cramping. He allowed just two runs - only one of them earned - on two hits.
Charlie Morton (9-6, 3.$3) allowed only one earned run on four hits while striking out six and walking two in six and one-third innings.
The Rays and Braves meet in the second game of their three game series on Saturday. Taj Bradley is expected to start for the Rays, while Spencer Strider is scheduled for the Braves. First pitch is scheduled for 7:15 PM - Chris Adams-Wall begins pregame coverage at 6:30 PM on 95.3 WDAE & AM 620, your Home of Rays Baseball.
PHOTO COURTESY GETTY IMAGES