The Tampa Bay Rays (63-43) defeated the Houston Astros (58-46) 4-3 on Friday night at Minute Maid Park in Houston. It was the first of three games for the Rays against the defending World Series champions, as well as the first game of a nine-game, three-city road trip.
Brandon Lowe hit a three-run homer in the first inning to give the Rays an early lead. Unfortunately Shane McClanahan was unable to hold the lead, as the Astros got one in the first and two in the fourth off him to tie the game 3-3. All told McClanahan allowed three earned runs on eight hits while striking out six and walking none in five innings of work.
Tied 3-3 going into the ninth inning the Rays got a sacrifice fly from Yandy Diaz that gave Tampa Bay the lead they would need. Pete Fairbanks earned his 13th save of the season after slamming the door in the ninth inning.
The Rays and Astros now prepare to meet in the second game of their three game series on Saturday evening. Taj Bradley is expected to start for the Rays, against Hunter Brown for the Astros. First pitch Saturday 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