The Tampa Bay Rays (45-35) got back to 10 games over .500 tonight, barely slipping past the Cincinnati Reds (41-40). The Rays' starter David Price was largely dominant through 7.2 innings, tying his career high with 12 strikeouts. Unfortunately, despite leaving with only 6 hits and 1 walk allowed, Price left the game in the top of the 8th inning with the Reds leading 2-1. Joel Peralta came to end the inning, but the Rays -- whose offense had looked helpless again -- appeared beat.
In the bottom of the 8th, however, the Rays finally got to the Reds starter Johnny Cueto, with back-to-back singles from John Jaso and Sam Fuld. Then Johnny Damon, who had already hit a solo homer in 4th inning, blooped a double to left field, giving the Rays another one-run lead. Then Kyle Farnsworth, who has been impeccable as the Rays closer this season, served Jay Bruce a 3-2 fastball that the Reds outfielder turned into a towering home run to deep center field, tying the game at 3-3.
The tie did not last long, however, as Evan Longoria, who has been hitting the ball well lately but was 0 for 3 on the night, smashed Logan Ondrusek's second pitch several rows deep into the left field bleachers, giving the Rays an exciting walk-off victory.