Game 90: Toronto Blue Jays 3 Rays 1— Postgame News and Notes

Robbie Ray has pitched well against the Rays four times this season. Sunday was the first time he and the Toronto Blue Jays recorded a win in any of those starts. That’s because Ray threw a no-hitter for 6.1 innings, as Tampa Bay saw its six-game win streak end with a 3–1 defeat in which they were held to three hits. The Rays (53–37) lost at home for just the fifth time in 26 games.

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Collin McHugh went into the break having allowed one run in 32.1 innings/Tampa Bay Rays Will Vragovic

Ray allowed a two-out walk to Yandy Diaz in a 20-pitch first first inning, then didn’t allow a baserunner for the next 5.2 innings. Diaz ended a streak of 18 straight retired with a double off the top of the wall in left.

Otherwise, Ray was nearly unhittable. the rest of the way. He struck out five of his first nine batters, and did the same the second time through the order. Ray fanned 11, allowing a hit and a walk over seven innings.

Toronto took the lead against Rich Hill in the third, after he worked around walks in the first two innings. Danny Jansen, who had been 1-for-17 against Rays pitching entering the day, homered to left on a 1–2 curve ball for a 1–0 lead. It was Jansen’s fourth of the season.

Then in the fourth, Teoscar Hernandez singled off the glove of Yandy Diaz with one out, and Lourdes Gurriel Jr walked. Both runners were wild pitched to second and third. Santiago Espinal then lined a single to right past a drawn-in infield for a 2–0 advantage. Cavan Biggio then flew out to center field. Brett Phillips threw a strike to second but Brandon Lowe couldn’t make the tag on Espinal as Gurriel scored on the sac fly for a 3–0 advantage.

Hill ended up going five innings, allowing four hits and three walks, striking out two. He threw 41 of 68 pitches for strikes.

Collin McHugh kept Tampa Bay in the game, throwing two more scoreless innings, allowing a hit while striking out one. McHugh goes into the break having allowed one run in 32.1 innings since coming off the injured list.

Drew Rasmussen followed with two scoreless innings as well, as the Rays entered the All-Star Break with 22 consecutive scoreless innings from the bullpen. However, Tampa Bay was not able to rally against Tim Mayza in the eighth. In the ninth against Jordan Romano, Brandon Lowe blasted his 21st homer and fifth in five games, making it 3–1. It was the first homer Romano has allowed this season. Diaz singled to right, bringing the tying run to the plate. However, Austin Meadows popped out to short, ending the game.

The Rays now begin the All-Star Break. Tampa Bay will play next on Friday in Atlanta against the Braves. Join us at Eddie’s Bar & Grill in Dunedin for a Rays Watch Party presented by Budweiser. Coverage on the Rays Radio Network begins at 6:30 p.m. with first pitch at 7:20.