HOUSTON -- Astros starter Gerrit Cole isn't easy to get on top of, so an early homer by a man known as "the Buffalo" worked well for the Rays.
Batting third for Tampa Bay, Wilson Ramos homered on the first pitch he saw from Cole in the first inning Monday at Minute Maid Park. Jake Bauers had drawn a walk just prior to Ramos' at-bat, so Ramos' shot gave the Rays a 2-0 lead against the tough righty.
Cole, who appears to be a lock for this year's All-Star Game, has looked slightly more human lately, allowing eight runs over 19 innings in three June starts, though he managed to win all three starts, entering Monday with an 8-1 record.