Friday, 4 a.m.
It was not the most convincing victory of the season. And, no, it wasn’t the sharpest single on Manuel Margot’s resume.
This time of year, however, winning is really all that matters, which leaves the Rays’ 5-4 walk-off victory of the Los Angeles Angels stand up to any scrutiny it might receive.
Margot blooped a 1-2 pitch into shallow right field to complete the Rays’ comeback. It capped a two-run rally in the ninth that allowed the Rays to pull out a tight game.
It was the team’s 35th comeback win of the year.
Until that hit, the Rays looked as if they were headed toward their second straight loss to an Angels’ team. The Rays were only two-for-16 with runners in scoring position until the ninth inning.
Harold Ramirez started the rally with a pinch hit single. Yandy Diaz followed with a single, and Isaac Parades drove in his 91st run of the season. Margot now has 34 RBI on the season.
Margot, Diaz and Paredes all had two hits.
Andrew Kittredge got the win in relief. Starter Zach Eflin gave up six hits and two runs in five innings.
The Rays are home against Toronto tonight at 6:40 p.m. at Tropicana Field. Tyler Glasnow will start for the Rays against. The Jays have not announced a starter.