Monday, 4 a.m.
Finally, the Tampa Bay Rays built an offensive performance that even their suddenly leaky bullpen couldn’t give up.
The Rays, after giving up another lead, rallied for a three-run 10th inning and managed to hang on for a 7-5 victory. The bullpen, which has had a dreadful run of it, finally found some success. Pete Fairbanks got five outs and Eric Orze got the final three to hold on for the win.
That came after the Rays reminded themselves of the bullpen struggles by giving up two runs in the bottom of the eighth on a two-run homer by Harrison Bader, his third of the series. The home run came off Mason Montgomery, who could get only one out in his stint.
The Rays had taken a 4-2 lead in the top of the eighth on a pair of small-ball plays. Junior Caminero mis-hit a short grounder, but pinch hitter Christopher Morel beat the catcher’s tag to score. After that, Jonathan Aranda grounded to the pitcher, but got a base hit when the ball bled past him.
In the 10th, Yandy Diaz doubled in designated runner Danny Jansen. Jose Caballero then bunted, and Twins pitcher Justin Topa threw the ball into right field. Diaz scored and Caballero wound up on third. He scored on a sacrifice fly by Caminero.
Earlier in the game, Taylor Walls homered and Aranda singled in a run.
Aranda had three hits and Diaz two for the Rays.
The Rays brought up rookie pitcher Joe Boyle from Durham, who went five innings without giving up an earned run.
The Rays remain three games behind Toronto in the AL East, tied with the Yankees.
Two members of the Rays -- Aranda and Brandon Lowe -- were selected as reserves to the all-star game. Lowe left the game early Sunday with an injury and had his 20-game hitting streak snapped.
Tampa Bay now travels to Detroit to face the Tigers at 6:40 p.m. to start a three-game series. Shane Baz will start for the Rays against Jack Flaherty.