Rays ace David Price went 4 innings, allowing only a 2-run home run to Matt Diaz. A cadre of relievers, Mike Ekstrom, Rob Delaney, Matt Bush, and Alex Cobb, held the Pirates at 2 runs, while putting together 6 strikeouts.
Offensively, B.J. Upton had a hard-hit double and walk, putting the Rays on the board early. Tim Beckham, starting at short, also added an RBI single, while Desmond Jennings hit an eighth inning sac fly to give the Rays the necessary lead. For good measure, Justin Ruggiano’s bases-loaded walk pushed the lead to two runs.
Defensively, Sam Fuld made a nifty, sixth inning catch to rob Pirates second basemen Neil Walker from a hit, and Jose Lobaton threw out two runners, despite strong jumps from both. Also, Casey Kotchman, in competition for some playing time at first base, had an eighth inning error.
The Rays will be taking on the Toronto Blue Jays in Port Charlotte, with first pitch slated for 1:05 p.m. EST.