OAKLAND -- Seeking a four-game sweep, Tampa Bay followed its unique pitching strategy by sending a reliever to the mound to start on Thursday. But the plan didn't work this time around, as Oakland defeated Tampa Bay, 7-3, at the Coliseum to close out the series.
The Rays fell to 28-27 with the loss, which snapped a five-game winning streak.
Reliever Ryne Stanek made his second start for the Rays and looked strong while retiring the side in order in the first. Khris Davis had something to say about Stanek's second inning, though.