Tampa Bay rallied for a 3-2 victory over the Cleveland Guardians on Monday night in Cleveland, marking their fifth consecutive win. The Rays improved to 12-1 against American League teams this season. Steven Matz delivered seven strong innings in the win.
Tampa Bay trailed entering the eighth inning but took the lead on Ryan Vilade's go-ahead single after Jonathan Aranda's home run earlier in the game. The Rays, who are 15-6 since April 4, have now won nine straight against AL Central opponents, including the Guardians. They stand at 5-10 against the NL Central, however. The Rays became just the seventh team in history to win 12 of their first 13 games against AL foes, joining clubs like the 1987 Brewers and 1984 Tigers. Steven Matz rebounded from his worst start of the season, allowing two runs on four hits over seven innings. Closer Bryan Baker secured his seventh save in the ninth, navigating a one-out single and double before striking out pinch-hitter George Valera and Daniel Schneemann.
