Two streaks collided last night in Florida with the Royals in the middle of a three game losing streak, and the Rays on a five game winning streak. A great pitching performance by Brian Bannister would break the Royals woes as they beat the Rays, 3-2.
The only mistake by Bannister would come early in the game as he would give up a home run to the Rays Evan Longoria in the bottom of the second. After that, he would settle in and not allow any more runs during his seven innings of work. He would give up just two hits while striking out three.
The Royals would get on the scoreboard in the top of the seventh when Jose Guillen would double off Rays starter Jeff Niemann. This would score David DeJesus.
It would stay tied until the top of the ninth when Alberto Callaspo would hit a sacrifice fly that scored Scott Podsednik. The Royals would get one more run when Mitch Maier hit a single that scored Willie Bloomquist.
The Rays would not go away quietly as they would get one more run in the bottom of the ninth, but Joakim Soria would hold on to get his sixth save of the season.
The Royals and the Rays will play the third game of their four game set this evening. Kyle Davies will start for Kansas City against Tampa Bay’s David Price.
First pitch is 5:10.