ST. PETERSBURG (SNN-TV) – In a quick two-game series, the Rays tried for a sweep of the Marlins in a mid-day matinée at Tropicana Field.
Sandy Alcántara threw a five-hit complete game and the Marlins stopped a 10-game road losing streak by beating the Rays 7-1 today. Alcántara, the reigning NL Cy Young Award winner, struck out seven and walked one in his second complete game this season. Prior to today, he had been 0-3 in four July starts with one no decision.
Tampa Bay starter Zach Eflin, who was bidding to become the AL’s first 12-game winner, left after four innings with left knee discomfort. The right-hander allowed five runs on seven hits.
Shane McClanahan will start Friday night against Houston and Cristian Javier. McClanahan is coming off a start Saturday against Baltimore in which he allowed five runs over four innings.