ST. PETERSBURG (SNN-TV) – Josh Lowe hit a tie-breaking single during Tampa Bay’s three-run 10th inning, and the Rays beat the Marlins 3-0 last night for their fourth straight victory.
Four Tampa Bay pitchers combined on a four-hitter. After going 8-17 in July, the Rays closed out a 17-8 August and pulled within a game and a half of AL East-leading Baltimore. The win was the Rays 8th in nine games overall. Randy Arozarena stole two bases in the 10th, giving him 20 for the season. The All-Star outfielder has reached 20-20 in steals and homers for three consecutive seasons.
Shawn Armstrong threw a hitless inning and two-thirds for the win, and Pete Fairbanks closed with a perfect 10th for his 18th save. Miami wasted a terrific start by Jesús Luzardo, who struck out eight while pitching six innings of one-hit ball. The Marlins dropped under .500 for the first time since they were 25-26 entering play on May 26.
The Rays have not announced a starter for the opener of a three-game series in Cleveland tomorrow. The Guardians will go with righty Cal Quantrill.