The Tampa Bay Rays finally returned to Tropicana field on Friday night, after an unremarkable 10-game road trip. Matt Moore took the mound for Tampa, looking for his first win of the season against a Minnesota lineup that was without Justin Morneau, who rested after fouling a ball off his foot on Thursday. Moore did not have his best stuff, walking three and striking out just two in six and a third innings pitched. But Moore battled through, allowing just three runs and leaving the game with a two-run lead.
Brandon Gomes relieved Moore in the top of the 7th after he gave up a single to Alexi Casilla. Facing the top of the order, Gomes failed to get an out, promptly giving up a single to Denard Span and walking Jamey Carroll. Gomes was yanked for Joel Peralta, who induced a fly out from Joe Mauer but then gave up a go-ahead double to Josh Willingham, which drove home Casilla, Span, and Carroll. That would prove to be the difference for Minnesota.
Just one night after having his best game of the season, Evan Longoria continued his hot hitting and hit a 384-foot homer to left off of Liam Hendricks. The two-run shot gave the Rays a 4-3 lead, before the bullpen gave it away the very next inning.
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