The Tampa Bay Rays (69-55) defeated the Los Angeles Angels (52-73) 8-3 on Thursday afternoon at Tropicana Field. The win gives the Rays a four-game sweep in their series against the Angels and gives the Rays seven wins in their eight game homestand against the Royals and Angels.
The Rays erupted for a five-run third inning. Manuel Margot hit a two-run triple to start the onslaught, and Isaac Paredes added a two-run homer later in the frame. The Rays added three runs in the seventh inning to turn this game into a blowout.
Drew Rasmussen (9-4, 2.77) got the start and struck out nine in five and one-third innings. He allowed one earned run on six hits while only walking one to pick up the win.
The Rays hope to continue their hot streak when they go to Boston for a three-game weekend series against the Red Sox. First pitch on Friday night is scheduled for 7:10 PM - pregame coverage begins with Jay Recher hosting the Inside Pitch at 6:00 PM on 95.3 WDAE & AM 620.
PHOTO COURTESY GETTY IMAGES