The Tampa Bay Rays (91-57) defeated the Baltimore Orioles (91-55) 4-3 on Thursday night. The Rays are now one game behind the Orioles for the top spot in the American League East.
Tied 3-3, Luke Raley hit a solo homer in the seventh to give the Rays the advantage they would need.
Aaron Civale allowed three earned runs on four hits in five innings of work while striking out eight and walking one. Colin Poche (12-3, 2.15) earned the win out of the bullpen, before Pete Fairbank converted his 24th save by striking out the side in the ninth.
The Rays will now look to move into a virtual tie with Baltimore when the two teams meet again on Friday night. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 PM - Ronnie & T-Kras began pregame coverage with the Inside Pitch at 6:00 PM on 95.3 WDAE & AM 620, your Home of Rays Baseball.
PHOTO COURTESY GETTY IMAGES