Mesa runs down threats in Rays’ win

by Gary Shelton on July 31, 2026

in general

Friday, 4 a.m.

Some games are won by the bat. And, yes, you could make an argument for that after Cedric Mullins' winning home run in the bottom of the eighth Thursday afternoon.

Some games are won by the arm. And, sure, you could include this one, especially after Bryan Baker's 30th save of the season in a 3-2 victory over the Texas Rangers.

But, really, this game was won by the glove.

Right fielder Victor Mesa Jr. made a pair of highlight reel catches in the game, one of them going far to his left in the ninth inning.

The Rays ended up winning two of three in the series. They have now won eight of their last 10 games.

Yandy Diaz and Jonny DeLuca each had two hits. DeLuca had his seventh home run.

The Rangers managed just two hits, both in the fifth inning. They didn't get a hit of starter Shane McClanahan (who left in the fourth with bad tightness). Casey Lugime, Cam Booser, Craig Kimbrell, Steven Matz, Garrett Cleavinger and Bakere all worked for the Rays.

The Rays play. the Chicago White Sox at 7:10 p.m. at Tropicana Field. Nick Martinez will start for the Rays against Erick Feddie.

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