PHILADELPHIA — The Rays on Tuesday risked playing Nelson Cruz at first base for the first time in his career to keep his bat in the lineup for the DH-less interleague game against the Phillies.
That turned out to be a good gamble, as Cruz delivered the decisive runs in the Rays’ 3-1 win with an eighth-inning single.
The teams were tied after seven innings of a well-pitched game, but the Rays rallied in the eighth against reliever Archie Bradley.
Brett Phillips, double-switched into the game the previous inning, led off with a single and stole second. Randy Arozarena was hit by a pitch. The gave Cruz, whose only experience at first came a couple years ago in some charity softball games, the chance to make it a solid night all around.
He delivered, lacing a hard single to left-center field that was misplayed by Odubel Herrera.
The win improved the Rays’ American League-best record to 78-48 and insured they would at least maintain their four-game East division lead over the Yankees, who played the Braves seeking an 11th straight win.
Both starters pitched well.
Drew Rasmussen, making his third official start (having twice been the opener), had another strong outing, working a career-high five innings, allowing one run on four hits and one walk.
And he again not only was effective, but efficient, throwing just 58 pitches (40 strikes) to get the 15 outs. In the three outings, Rasmussen worked 13 innings, allowing two total runs, six hits and four walks.
Philadelphia lefty Ranger Suarez was just as good, working into the seventh, allowing the Rays one run and six hits, walking and striking out a career-high seven.
The Rays bullpen took it from there, with Adam Conley, JT Chargois and Andrew Kittredge closing out the Phillies.
The Rays took the lead in the fourth with a staccato burst of three consecutive singles over a span of five pitches. First by Wander Franco, extending his on-base streak to 25 games, breaking the team rookie record. Then by Yandy Diaz. And last by Brandon Lowe, with Franco racing home from second.
The Phillies came right back to tie it, rallying quickly in their fourth after two were out. Didi Gregorius singled to left, then Brad Miller — the now 31-year-old ex-Ray — pulled a double down the right-field line to score him.
