The Tampa Bay Rays continued their dominant run, defeating the Houston Astros 3-1 on Tuesday to secure their ninth consecutive victory.
Nick Fortes played a pivotal role, hitting a solo home run in the second inning to open the scoring.
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He later drove in another run with a double off the left-center field wall in the eighth.
Junior Caminero also homered for Tampa Bay, providing additional support.
Pitching Duel Highlights Fast-Paced Game
The game lasted just two hours and 21 minutes, with both teams combining for only 10 baserunners.
Rays starter Nick Martinez pitched 5 1/3 innings, allowing one run on a solo homer by Yordan Alvarez.
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He threw 85 pitches before exiting.
Houston starter Spencer Arrighetti was sharp, allowing only two hits and one run over six innings. However, the Astros bullpen could not hold the lead.
Reliever Kevin Kelly earned his fifth win of the season, while closer Bryan Baker recorded his 23rd save by retiring the side in order in the ninth.
The Rays bullpen retired 11 consecutive batters to close out the game.
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With the win, Tampa Bay has a chance to extend the streak to 10 games. The next matchup features Drew Rasmussen against Hunter Brown.
