The Tampa Bay Rays (2-2) beat the Milwaukee Brewers (3-1) 3-2 on Monday night in Milwaukee. With the win, the Rays have won their second straight game and the first of the three-game interleague series.
Yandy Diaz homered to lead off the game to give the Rays an early 1-0 lead. That would remain the score until the sixth inning, when William Contreras hit a two-run homer to give Milwaukee a 2-1 lead. Jonny DeLuca hit a solo homer in the seventh to tie the game 2-2. In the ninth inning, it was Nick Fortes coming through with a RBI double to lift the Rays to a 3-2 lead.
Nick Martinez got the start for the Rays and pitched six innings in which he allowed two earned runs on six hits while striking out three and walking none. Garrett Cleavinger (1-1, 7.71) earned the win out of the bullpen after working a scoreless eighth inning. Kevin Kelly earned his first save of the season after retiring the only batter he faced in the bottom of the ninth inning to end the game.
The Rays will now look to win the three game series when they meet the Brewers in the middle game on Tuesday night. Shane McClanahan is scheduled to make his first appearance in the majors since August 2nd, 2023, after having Tommy John surgery and a separate nerve issue in his left triceps. First pitch on Tuesday is scheduled for 7:40 PM - pregame coverage begins with Ronnie Lane hosting Inside Pitch at 6:30 PM on 95.7 WDAE & AM 620, your Home of Rays Baseball.
COVER PHOTO COURTESY GETTY IMAGES