AP News
(2010-07-25 20:10:09)
CLEVELAND (Reuters) - Reid Brignac's three-run home run provided all the offense the Tampa Bay Rays needed to beat the Cleveland Indians 4-2 Sunday.
Willy Aybar drew a two-out walk and John Saso singled in the second inning, setting the stage for Brignac's blast to push the Rays ahead 3-1.
The Indians scored the opening run in the first inning when Michael Brantley drew a lead off walk and scored on a sacrifice fly to right field by Carlos Santana. The Indians drew to within 3-2 in the bottom of the second as Travis Hafner led off with a single and scored on an RBI by Andy Marte.
The Indians were unable to overcome a fielding error by third baseman Andy Marte in the fifth inning that allowed lead off hitter Jason Bartlett to reach first safely. Bartlett stole second base, advanced to third on a ground out and scored on a sacrifice fly by Carl Crawford.
Rays starter Wade Davis won his third consecutive game and improved his record to 8-9, pitching 6.1 innings allowing two runs on seven hits and one walk while striking out four batters. Rafael Soriano pitched a scoreless ninth inning to collect his 26th save of the season.
Cleveland failed to convert on scoring opportunities in the final three innings, stranding runners at second and third in both the seventh and eighth innings. The potential tying run flew out to center field for the final out.
(Reporting by Mike Mouat in Windsor, Ontario. Editing by Ed Osmond)
