The Rays responded from their latest loss to the Royals with an impressive win on Friday night. Tampa Bay got a few run in the ninth inning and got a strong pitching performance from Edwin Jackson as they won 5-3. They are now 60-42.
Edwin Jackson made one of his better starts of the season, even though it was a bit short. Jackson lasted only five innings but gave up only two hits. Both hits surrendered were solo home runs. Jackson got the win and upped his record to 6-7. Grant Balfour and Dan Wheeler were terrific in relief. Troy Percival gave up a run in ninth inning but still picked up his 21st save.
The Rays were up 3-2 heading into the ninth inning with help from a RBI single from Evan Longoria and a BJ Upton sac fly. In the top of ninth with the score 3-2, Carlos Pena crushed a two run homer to give the Rays some breathing room. Akinori Iwamura and Dioner Navarro each had two hits.
The Royals and Rays will play again on Saturday night. Scott Kazmir is set to start for the Rays. Game time is 7:10 pm.
