The Tampa Bay Rays (76-78) defeated the Toronto Blue Jays (73-81) 1-0 on Friday night at Tropicana Field for their second straight shutout win. It is the first time this season the Rays have thrown shutouts on back-to-back nights.
Tyler Alexander got the start and pitched four and one-third shutout innings in which he allowed just two hits while striking out six and walking one. A bullpen combination of Kevin Kelly (4-2, 2.77), Manuel Rodriguez, Edwin Uceta, Colin Poche and Hunter Bigge combined to complete the shutout. For Biggie, he earned his first big league save with a scoreless ninth inning.
The only offense in the game came in the form of a solo home run from Jonathan Aranda in the bottom of the sixth inning that would be enough to lift Tampa Bay to the win.
The Rays will now look to win the three-game series against the Blue Jays when they meet in the middle game on Saturday afternoon. First pitch on Saturday night is scheduled for 4:10 PM - pregame coverage begins with Chris Adams-Wall hosting This Week In Rays Baseball at 2:30 PM on 95.3 WDAE & AM 620, your Home of Rays Baseball.
COVER PHOTO COURTESY GETTY IMAGES