The Rays took 2 of 3 in Texas, but most notably this happened:
The first Rays no-hitter in the history of this save came from
Johnny Kuykendall and it was no cheapie as he fanned 10 and nearly pitched a Maddux (102 pitches). As you can see from the box
Wander Franco gave Kukyendall all the support he'd need with a 3-run homer. The final out came via an ex-Ray as Kuykendall got Carter Kieboom to ground right back to him to set off the celebrations.
James Hays had a bit of a rough time against his old team as the Rangers evened up the series with a 7-2 win over Tampa Bay. The righty dropped to 14-4 with a 5 7 6 4 0 8 outing and he was plagued by the longball again as he gave up a key 2-run shot in the 4th.
Kelly Crumpton had a nice game in a losing effort, going 3-4 with HR #31 and 2 RBI.
The Rays lost the lead late but still won the game and the series as they edged Texas 5-4 in the finale.
Ed Howard's RBI single in the 9th off Rangers closer Mike Mank, the key played acquired by Texas in the
James Hays deal three years back, won it for the Rays after
Tylor Megill lost the lead in the 7th on an unearned run.
Dax Fulton (3-1) got the win with a perfect 2-whiff 8th, and
Kevin DiCostanzo was solid in the 9th for save #29 while
Joe Marlette was decent at 5 5 3 3 2 9.
Corey Collins (#4) and
Wander Franco (#16, a 2-run shot) homered earlier for Tampa Bay.
Team record: 85-45. Next up: We return to the Trop for 3 against the Mets who are 79-52 and hold a slim 1/2 game lead over Atlanta.