The Rays kept on rolling Tuesday night, keeping the lowly Mariners lineup in check again in a 3-1 win at Tropicana Field. Tampa Bay has now won nine of their last ten games, including seven of eight against the AL West. Their pitching has been nearly unbeatable at home this season, with Joe Maddon's club boasting a 10-1 record at the Trop.
After Jeremy Hellickson battled Felix Hernandez in Game 1, Matt Moore went to work on Monday against the Mariners. Moore scattered seven hits across five innings, holding Seattle to just one run -- a Michael Saunders solo shot. He was largely able to avoid damage via the strikeout, fanning seven Mariners for the win. The bullpen then picked him up, pitching four scoreless which included an impressive hold from Burke Badenhop.
On offense, the Rays struck early, getting two in the first, which was all they would need against a scuffling Seattle lineup. Matt Joyce had a big night, tripling home Ben Zobrist for the Rays' first run and then bookending it with a solo homer in the third that would close the scoring for the night. The Rays managed only three hits, but Joyce made sure two of those counted and when things are going as they are for the Rays right now, it all comes together at the right time.
Tampa will look to continue their streak against the AL West on Wednesday night, as James Shields has a shot to improve to 5-0 in what would be a series-clinching win. Eric Wedge will counter with Blake Beavan.
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