Sunday, 4 a.m.
In the middle of a dreadful season, Zack Littell finally struck back.
Littell, still around despite two starting teammates departing lately, spun a seven-inning, three-hit shutout in a 4-0 victory over the Cincinnati Reds.
It was a sparkling effort, especially when you consider how poorly things had been going for Littell. He had lost five of his previous six decisions. In his last three, he had given up 24 hits and 13 earned runs in just 15 2/3 innings. His ERA in the previous seven days was 6.34.
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Against the Reds, however, he was dominant, leading the team to its seventh shutout of the year.
The Rays led 1-0 going into the fifth on a fielder’s choice by Jose Siri. In the fifth, however, the team found its power. Catcher Alex Jackson homered. Yandy Diaz followed with the team’s first back-to-back homer of the year. Amed Rosario and Brandon Lowe then had back-to-back doubles for a third run of the inning.
Rosario and Chris Mead each had two hits for the Rays.
Tampa Bay is 53-52 on the season.
The Reds and Rays wrap up their series today at 11:35 a.m. at Tropicana Field.
Hunter Greene will start for Cincinnati. The Rays have not announced a starter.