The Tampa Bay Rays (2-1) beat the Toronto Blue Jays (1-2) 5-1 on Saturday evening at Tropicana Field. The win gives the Rays at least a split in the opening four-game series between AL-East rivals.
Zack Littell (1-0, 0.00) was dealing in his first start of the season, pitching six shutout innings in which he allowed fur hits while striking out six and walking two. A bullpen combination of Colin Poche, Phil Maton, Jason Adam and Pete Fairbanks combined to close out the victory.
Randy Arozarena hit his first home run of the season in the fifth inning - one of two hits for him on the night - to help key the Ray offense. Tampa Bay also got two hits and two RBIs from Jose Caballero and two hits and a RBI from Amed Rosario as the team pulled away with runs in the seventh and eighth inning.
The Rays will now look to win the four-game series with the Blue Jays outright when the two team's meet in the series finale on Saturday. Shawn Amrstrong is expected to start for Tampa Bay, and face Kevin Gausman for Toronto. First pitch Sunday is scheduled for 1:40 PM - pregame coverage begins with Chris Adams-Wall hosting This Week In Rays Baseball at high noon on 95.3 WDAE & AM 620, your Home of Rays Baseball.
COVER PHOTO COURTESY GETTY IMAGES