Monday, 4 a.m.
They continue to surrender home runs as if it’s a defensive strategy. Sunday, however, the Rays got a few long balls back.
The Rays hit three home runs, which accounted for seven of their runs, in an 8-6 victory over the Atlanta Braves. The Braves scored 22 runs in their three-game set.
Jose Siri got the last lick in Sunday’s game, hitting a two-run home run in the top of the ninth. That came after the Braves had come back to pull into a 6-6 tie on a two-run home run by Aistin Riley.
Content beyond this point is for members only.
Already a member? To view the rest of this column, sign in using the handy "Sign In" button located in the upper right corner of the GarySheltonSports.com blog (it's at the far right of the navigation bar under Gary's photo). Not a member? It's easy to subscribe so you can view the rest of this column and all other premium content on GarySheltonSports.com.
The Rays had jumped to a 6-2 lead on a grand slam by Ben Rortvedt on his first home run of the season. Brandon Lowe also homered for the Rays
The three home runs by the Rays were by Lowe (hitting .214), Siri (.204) and Rortvedt (.250).
Tampa Bay continues to surrender home runs, however. They gave up three, which means the Rays have now given up a league-worst 101 in 72 games.
Lowe and Amed Rosario each had two hits for the Rays.
Zach Evlin gave up just one earned run in 5 2/3 innings. Jason Adam got the win despite giving up a tying home run. Pete Fairbanks finished for his 10th save.
The Rays will start a three-game series on Tuesday. Aaron Civale will start for Tampa Bay against Pablo Lopez at Minnesota.