The Tampa Bay Rays (42-36) defeated the Toronto Blue Jays (44-35) 11-5 on 11-5 on Saturday night in the second game of a day-night doubleheader at the Rogers Centre. The win evens the five game series between the two teams 2-2 heading into the finale on Sunday.
Francisco Mejia hit two home runs in the game to set the pace, including a two-run shot in the second inning that gave the Rays an early 3-0 lead. Isaac Paredes also hit a homer in the nightcap, his second of the day as he hit a home run in the first game as well. Paredes finished 3-for-5 with four RBIs and three runs scored.
Drew Rasmussen returned from the IL and picked four and two-third innings, allowing two runs, one of them earned, on five hits while striking out two and walking two. Ralph Garza, Jr, (2-2, 3.48) earned the win by pitching two scoreless innings to close the game.
The Rays and Blue Jays will now meet in the rubber game of the rare five-game series on Sunday afternoon. First pitch on Sunday is scheduled for 1:37 PM - pregame coverage begins with Neil Solondz hosting This Week In Rays Baseball at high noon on 95.3 WDAE & AM 620.
PHOTO COURTESY GETTY IMAGES