Saturday, 4 a.m.
Evidently, the winning isn't over yet for the Tampa Bay Rays.
After clinching the AL East, the Rays had looked largely disinterested in their last two games. That ended Friday night, however, when the Rays shut out a very good Philadelphia Phillies team, 2-0.
Starting pitcher Freddy Peralta once again looked like a trade-day steal for the Rays. Peralta threw 5 1/3 innings of shutout baseball and allowed just four hits. Relievers Cam Booser, Kevin Kelly, Cole Susler and Bryan Baker combined for 3 2/3 of hitless relief.
In his last 34 innings, Peralta has given up just three runs. He is now 10-11 on the year.
The Rays needed a well-pitched game. Cristopher Sanchez was excellent for the Phillies. He gave up three hits in the first inning, but only two afterward. He struck out 10 Rays.
The Rays got consecutive hits from Junior Caminero, Ryan Vilade and Jonny DeLuca in the first inning for the first run. Nick Fortes homered in the second inning.
Peralta and the bullpen made that stand up. Trea Turner and Bryce Hunter led off the sixth inning with singles, but Booser came on to leave the runners stranded.
The Rays and Phillies play again tonight at Citizens Bank Park at 7:15. Griffin Jax (8-10) will start for the Rays. The Phillies have not announced a starter.