In a must-win game against the Baltimore Orioles, the Tampa Bay Rays hold a slim 1-0 advantage through five innings. Shortstop Ben Zobrist hit a solo home run in the bottom of the fourth to put the Rays on top at Tropicana Field.
Tampa Bay (88-71) entered Monday three games back of the Oakland Athletics (91-68) for the American League's final wild card spot. Both teams have three games remaining, so the Rays will have to win out and hope the Athletics are swept in their final series. The Los Angeles Angels are also three games behind the A's in the wild card race. Oakland plays later Monday night.
Alex Cobb has pitched well for Tampa Bay, allowing just one hit and one walk in the first five frames. Cobb has struck out five.
The Orioles (92-67) have already clinched a playoff berth and are tied with the New York Yankees atop the AL East. New York hosts Boston for its final regular-season series.