The Tampa Bay Rays (48-48) shut out the Cleveland Guardians (58-37) 2-0 on Sunday afternoon at Tropicana Field. The win gives the Rays a series win, and ensures a .500 record as Tampa Bay finished the ceremonial first half with 48 wins and 48 losses.
Jose Siri got the scoring started with a solo homer in the third inning. Brandon Lowe made it 2-0 with another homer in the sixth that was upheld on review.
That would be enough for the Rays, as Ryan Pepiot (6-5, 3.92) pitched six shutout innings. Colin Poche, Jason Adam and Pete Fairbanks each worked scoreless innings to close out the game - for Fairbanks, it was his 17th save of the season.
The Rays are now off for the MLB All-Star Break, which comes up on Tuesday night in Arlington, Texas. They will return to action when they go to New York to play the Yankees next Friday. You can hear both the All-Star Game on Tuesday, as well as every game the rest of the season for Tampa Bay, on 95.3 WDAE & AM 620, your Home of Rays Baseball.
COVER PHOTO COURTESY GETTY IMAGES