On a night of excitement and milestones, the Tampa Bay Rays emerged victorious over the Washington Nationals with a 3-1 win.
Things could quickly have started rocky for the Rays when C.J. Abrams was hit by a Zach Eflin pitch, providing an immediate baserunner. However, Eflin and the Rays’ defense ensured the speedy shortstop did not advance beyond first base by retiring the next three batters.
In the bottom of the first, the Rays faced Nationals’ starter Mitchell Parker with a similar result. Yandy Diaz and Randy Arozarena were out with a flyout and strikeout, respectively. Just when it seemed the inning might be uneventful, Amed Rosario singled to right field.