ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Erasmo Ramirez supported his strong pitching with a key defensive play in the second inning.
Ramirez pitched six innings of four-hit ball and likely saved two runs when he backed up third base and retrieved a wild throw from center fielder Kevin Kiermaier in the Tampa Bay Rays' 3-1 victory over the Houston Astros on Friday night.
"I just used instinct," said Ramirez, who won for the sixth time in seven starts and helped the Rays snap a four-game losing streak. "It was a good time to back up the bases. If the ball bounces into the stands, they're both going to score.