ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Pinch hitter Kevin Kiermaier finished in the 10th inning and Tampa Bay Rays ended Toronto’s six winning streak, beating the Blue Jays 2-1 Saturday night.
Both teams scored a run in the fifth and it remained 1-half until each team started the 10th with an automatic runner on second base.
After Anthony Banda (1-0) got Travis Shaw to the ground in an inclusive endgame double play in the top half, the Rays won it to take the AL East lead again.
“We know we’re really good and we bring that confidence to the field every day,” Kiermaier said.
A foundation and walk set rounds at the corners. Kiermaier fought for Michael Brosseau and finished Anthony Bass (1-1).
“He was ready,” said Rays manager Kevin Cash of Kiermaier. “Pinch-hit is not easy.”
The Blue Jays bid for their first winning streak of seven games since 2016. Toronto had won 6-5 in 10 innings on Friday night.
Toronto lefty Hyun Jin Ryu had one run, three hits and struck out six in five innings. He has given up three runs and 10 hits over 22 innings in his last four starts.
“I think we need to learn how to close this kind of game and win these close fights,” Ryu said through a translator. “Today, unfortunately, it did not happen. But from the pitcher’s perspective, we have to go out there with the thought that we will keep this game close.”
Rays star Aaron Slegers hit five over four no-hit innings in his first start since July 10, 2018, while he was with Minnesota. He allowed one baserunner, Lourdes Gurriel Jr., to reach on a foul.
Slegers was the 10th starting rookie pitcher used by Tampa Bay this season. The Rays have seven pitchers, including starters Charlie Morton and Yonny Chirinos, on the injured list.
Sean Gilmartin replaced Slegers in the fifth and ran two before he could hit the Blue Jays’ first hit, a one-off single from Joe Panik that loaded the bases. Cavan Biggio put Toronto up 1-0 by drawing a walk on a 3-2 field with two outs.
Gilmartin returned this season from the alternative training side for a second stint with the team.
Tampa Bay tied it at 1 later in the fifth on Manuel Margot’s RBI founder.
Biggio tried to score in the seventh on a wild pitch of the second, but was thrown on the plate. He had single singled and swiped, making him 18 for 18 in career stolen base attempts.
INJURY SPIKE
Rays RHP Charlie Morton (inflammation of the right shoulder) is not surprised by the outcome of baseball injuries. “I think a lot of people predict this,” he said. “It’s frustrating, but I think we were aware of the risks that are coming this year.”
TRAINER’S ROOM
Blue Jays: There was no update on SS Bo Bichette (elbow) and RHP Nate Pearson (elbow).
Rays: 3B Yandy Diaz (dizziness) was scratched after his own bale ball hit him in the cheekbone nose area during batting practice. Cash said Diaz was OK. … RHP Chaz Roe (right elbow) went on the 10-day IL.
FOLLOWING
Tampa Bay LHP Josh Fleming will make his Premier League debut against Toronto on Sunday.
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