Sunday, 4 a.m.
There are times they look complete. Oh, they’re never going to hit as much as you’d like, and they won’t win as often as you might prefer.
Still, there are times — such as Saturday night — that the Rays remind you they still have a shot at the AL Wild Card race.
The Rays got a strong start from Zack Littell, solid work from the bullpen and a rare burst of power from its offense in a 6-1 beating of the Houston Astros.
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Josh Lowe hit two home runs and Yandy Diaz one as the Rays came from behind to win for the 26th time in 56 wins.
Lowe had four hits on the night and three RBI. Brandon Lowe had three, including a two-run single. Diaz had two hits.
Littell went 5 2/3 innings and allowed just four hits and one run (a home run by Jon Singleton). He improved his record to 5-7.
Just as impressive was a relay team of relievers featuring Colin Poche, Manny Rodriguez, Edwin Uceta and Pete Fairbanks. The foursome went 4 1/3 innings and allowed only one hit and no runs.
In two games against the Astros, the Rays have struck out 26 times and are 2-11 with runners in scoring position. It goes to show how important the long ball can be.
The Rays and Astros play again today at 2:10 p.m. The Astros will start Spence Arrighetti. The Rays have not announced a starter.