May 24, 2017

Colby Rasmus and Steven Souza hit back-to-back homers in the 7th inning, as the Rays took down the Angels 5-2 on Wednesday night at Tropicana Field.

The loss came despite the fact the Halos got off to a great start.  Albert Pujols connected on a 2-run homer in the 1st inning.  The 597th homer of his career.  

That was one of only 4 hits on the night for the Angels.  Erasmo Ramirez (3-0) settled down after that.  He picked up the win after pitching 6 innings, allowing only those 2 runs on the 4 hits to get the victory.

Souza hit a pair of home runs, including a 2-run blast off Ricky Nolasco in the 2nd to tie the game at 2-2.

The Rays would take the lead in the 3rd on an RBI double from Kevin Kiermaier, scoring Corey Dickerson.

Nolasco (2-4) took the loss after pitching 6 innings.  He gave up all 5 runs on 7 hits, including the three home runs.  Nolasco departed after giving up the back-to-back homers in the 7th.

Blake Parker and Brooks Pounders provided two innings of scoreless relief after that.

However, the Rays got three innings of scoreless relief from their bullpen as well.  Jose Alvarado, Ryne Stanek, and Alex Colume did not allow a hit.  Colume picked up his 12th save of the season.

The Angels and Rays will do it again tomorrow morning in the final game of the four game set.