The Houston Astros (57-52) defeated the Tampa Bay Rays (55-54) 3-2 on Friday night at Minute Maid Park in Houston. The Rays have now dropped two in a row after falling to the Marlins in that series finale on Wednesday.
Dylan Carlson, who was acquired by the Rays from the Cardinals shortly before Tuesday's trade deadline, hit his first home run as a Ray in the first inning to give Tampa Bay a 2-0 lead. That would be the only offense the Rays got on the day, while the Astros rallied with two runs in the fourth and a run in the seventh to take the game 3-2.
Shane Baz got the start and allowed just two earned runs on six hits in five and one-third innings of work while striking out five and walking one. Kevin Kelly (3-2, 4.08) took the loss out of the bullpen after allowing an unearned run in the seventh that would be enough for the Astros.
The Rays now look to bounce back and even the three-game series on Saturday night. Zack Littell (4-7, 4.18) is scheduled to get the start for the Rays and face Ronel Blanco (9-5, 2.95) for the Astros. First pitch is scheduled for 7:15 PM - Chris Adams-Wall begins pregame coverage at 6:30 PM on 95.3 WDAE & AM 620, your Home of Rays Baseball.
COVER PHOTO COURTESY GETTY IMAGES