Sunday, 4 a.m.
Even on a day off, an opponent should not underestimate Yandy Diaz.
Diaz, given Saturday off by manager Kevin Cash, came off the bench in the seventh inning Saturday to double home the go-ahead run. Then, in the bottom of the ninth, he hit an opposite-field home run for his first career walk-off in a 7-5 win over Seattle.
In two at bats, Diaz had six bases and drove in three runs. Diaz is now hitting .318 on the season.
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Entering the game, Diaz had been hitless in three straight games for only the second time this season. But Diaz leads the majors in hitting after the seventh inning.
It was Tampa Bay’s 33rd come from behind win. For a little perspective, the Rays are now 31 games over .500.
The Rays, as has been the case lately, fell behind early. Starter Aaron Civale was wild in the first inning with two walks and a hit batter. The Mariners scored three times in the first and once in the second.
Tampa Bay had just one hit going into the fifth.
The Rays and Mariners conclude their series today at 1:10 p.m. at Tropicana Field. Zach Eflin will start for Tampa Bay. The Mariners have not announced their starter.