Sunday, 4 a.m.
After spending most of the early part of the season running in place, the Tampa Bay Rays have themselves a winning streak.
They walked to get it.
The Rays won a tight game, 3-1, over the New York Mets Saturday night, their second straight victory over the Mets. It is the team’s first back-to-back wins in 20 games.
The Rays scored twice in the eighth inning as Austin Shenton and Jose Caballero both earned bases-loaded walks. Shenton, a .171 hitter, drew a nine-pitch walk to force home Yandy Diaz. Caballero then drew a six-pitch walk to bring home Isaac Paredes.
Tampa Bay had loaded the bases on a single by Yandy Diaz, a walk by Richie Palacios and an infield chopper by Isaac Paredes that the Mets misplayed.
The Rays got a strong six inning start from Zack Littell, who allowed six hits and one run over six innings. That matched Christian Scott, who made his major league debut for the Mets and pitched 6 2/3 innings, allowing five hits and one run.
Paredes and Ben Rortvedt each had two hits for the Rays.
Manager Kevin Cash set a new record for managerial wins for the Rays with his 755th win.
The Rays go for a sweep today at 1:40 p.m. at Tropicana Field. Ryan Pepiot will start for the Rays against Luis Severino.