Thursday, 4 a.m.
The Tampa Bay Rays got their work in early. Late, they sweated.
The Rays scored twice in the first inning and twice in the second, jumping to a 4-0 lead.
Sure, if you want to quibble, the Rays managed only three more hits the rest of the game. The Athletics whittled the lead down to one run, but the bullpen held there for a 4-3 win at Tropicana Field.
The Rays improved their lead over the Yankees to 4 1/2 games in the AL East.
Nick Martinez won his 15th game (15-4) for the Rays. Cam Booser and Cole Susler both threw shutout innings in the eighth and ninth. Susler recorded his third save of the year.
The Rays hit five doubles in the game to lead their attack. Chandler Simpson -- who now leads in the American League in hitting with a .310 average --- and Jonny DeLuca each had two hits.
The Rays and As close out their series today st 1:10 p.m. at Tropicana Field. Drew Rasmussen (14-5) will start against former Ray Jeffrey Springs (4-13).