After an off day, the Rays welcomed the Nationals into St. Petersburg for a short two game series. The Rays turned to Ryan Yarbrough in a role he’s familiar with, following opener John Curtiss. On the other side, veteran right-hander Anibal Sanchez started for the Washington Nationals.
Curtiss managed to retire the first four batters of the game before walking Kurt Suzuki, prompting Kevin Cash to bring in Yarbrough. Yarbrough got through the second inning without giving up a run, stranding two base runners and picking up a couple strikeouts.
The Rays got their run scoring going in the second inning.