The Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Texas Rangers on Thursday night, winning 8-4 to break a four-game losing streak and avoid a sweep in the three-game series. The Rays scored three runs each in the first and second innings and were able to hold on to the lead all the way through. Alex Cobb picks up the win for the Rays.
Evan Longoria had a hot night at the plate for the Rays, following an RBI double from Ben Zobrist with a two-run homer, and adding the final run of the game in the ninth with another home run. B.J. Upton had a three-run shot in the second, and Elliot Johnson contributed a solo home run in the top of the sixth.
The Rays improve to 71-59 with the win. With the Baltimore Orioles losing to the Chicago White Sox, the Rays are a half-game away from the second American League Wild Card.
Stick with SB Nation Tampa Bay for more coverage of the Tampa Bay Rays, or head over to DRays Bay.