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Eric Sogard (foot) returns to Rays lineup to blast early home run

HOUSTON -- Eric Sogard homered in the first at-bat of his first start this postseason for Tampa Bay, going deep in the decisive Game 5 of the American League Division Series at Houston on Thursday night.

Sogard hadn't started in nearly a month while dealing with lingering right foot discomfort.

The second baseman batted fifth against Astros starter Gerrit Cole, who struck out 15 over 7 2/3 scoreless innings when the Astros won Game 2 to take a 2-0 series lead before the Rays won twice at home.

"You've got Gerrit, who is probably the highest-strikeout pitcher in baseball.