Sunday, 4 a.m.
Evidently, there isn't a ninth inning that Bryan Baker cannot save.
Baker played rescue-ranger again Saturday night, retiring a tough part of Seattle's lineup to preserve a 3-2 victory. Baker gave up a hit to Julio Rodriguez, then retired Josh Naylor (who had two home runs on the night and coaxed Brendan Donovan to hit into a double play to end it.
It was Baker's franchise-record setting 23rd save in a row (breaking Fernando Rodney's record) and 34th on the season. Baker is now seventh on the lists of saves.
The calm at the end was welcome for the Rays, who got off to a bad start when announced starter Griffin Jax was pulled because of back tightness. Seven Rays pitchers allowed eight hits and two runs.
The big blow offensively was by second baseman Richie Palacios, two had a two-strike, two-out single in the sixth.
Victor Mesa Jr. hit his ninth home run in the fourth.
The Rays managed just seven hits, but two each by by Chandler Simpson and Palacios.
Seattle was 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position. Te Rays were one-for-eight.
The teams play again today at T-Mobile Park. Ian Seymour (8-3) will start for the Rays against Emerson Hancock (6-6) at 4:10 p.m.