The Tampa Bay Rays are just one win away from partying like its 2008. Despite a solid performance from Jose Urquidy, the Houston Astros couldn’t close things out on Tuesday night, losing 5-2 after a big sixth inning by Tampa Bay, giving the Rays a 3-0 series lead.
How It Happened:
The Astros got out in front with Jose Altuve lifting one out to left field in the bottom of the first. It remained a 1-0 ballgame until the top of the sixth with Joey Wendle putting Tampa out in front with a two-run single to left field.
After reliver Enoli Paredes hit Kevin Kiermaier and Willy Adames, former Mississippi State Bulldog Hunter Renfroe blasted a fly ball to right field, scoring Wendle and Keirmaier to make it a 5-1 ballgame. Michael Brantley responded in the bottom frame with a solo shot to left center field, but it was all that Houston could muster the rest of the way.
Player of the Game: Joey Wendle
Wendle jumpstarted a Rays offense that couldn’t quite get out of first gear for much of Tuesday night with a well-placed hit to left field that was deflected by Bregman, but turned out to be the biggest play of the game.
Next Up: Game Four; First Pitch at 7:40