The Tampa Bay Rays have been absolutely dominant this season and have already hit the 30-win streak. On Thursday night in New York, they defeated the Yankees 8-2 thanks to five RBIs from Josh Lowe.
The outfielder scored a three-in-one when his double allowed Taylor Walls, Luke Raley and Manuel Margot to cross the plate. Lowe’s shot hit the midfield wall directly, allowing Margot to narrowly parry the long throw.
The 25-year-old hit his home run in the eighth inning. This time, in the same area, his shot easily overcame the fence for two more runs.
Much of the credit for the Rays’ win (30-9) went to starting pitcher Drew Rasmussen (4-2). The one who excels against the Yankees hasn’t conceded a run in seven innings and conceded only two hits.
Gleyber Torres saved the home side’s honor with a two-run double late in the ninth inning.
The Cushioning of Victory
In Kansas City, Freddy Fermin made some enemies in the Chicago White Sox camp by giving the team a 4-3 win with a bunt in the ninth inning.
With just one out against the Royals, the Venezuelan took no chances and extended his racquet to substitute Reynaldo Lopez. Its perfectly calculated cushioning allowed Nick Pratto to cross the plate at full speed.
Kansas City (12-27) won that four-game series 3-1 against the White Sox (13-26). Both teams are among the worst in the American League and occupy the last two places in the Central Division.
Michael Massey scored with a solo longball and Maikel Garcia added two runs with a double for the Royals.
A big challenge for the Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays players enjoyed a night off after losing in two games to the Philadelphia Phillies. Their next three-game streak begins Friday at Rogers Center against the Atlanta Braves.
In the Americans’ hard-fought East Division, the Jays (21-16) slipped to fourth place, just ahead of the Yankees (21-18). They have only had three wins in their last ten games.
Meanwhile, the Braves (25-12) have the best record in the National. They’re also very effective away from home, as evidenced by their 15-3 record away at SunTrust Park.