Seven Up: Rays Rally in 7th to Win 7-6
This contest was a series of moments wrapped around a wild seventh inning that saw each team score at least three runs, albeit in different methods. Prior to a 7th inning that was off the rails in the home half, the Rays looked to be mostly in control with an early 2-1 lead through five […]
In a thrilling series of events, the Tampa Bay Rays managed to rally in the 7th inning to secure a 7-6 victory over the San Diego Padres at Tropicana Field on August 28, 2026. Prior to the seventh inning, the Rays held an early 2-1 lead through five innings, attributed to Liam Hicks' RBI single and Jonathan Aranda's solo home run. However, the Padres quickly responded with Ty France's 100th career home run, putting the Rays back down to 3-2.
In the crucial 7th inning, the Rays faced a challenging situation as Garrett Cleavinger walked the leadoff batter, followed by Dustin Harris' single and Fernando Tatis Jr.'s perfect bunt, loading the bases with nobody out. Despite these setbacks, Manny Machado managed to foil the plans with a single through an abandoned part of the infield, leading to three runs for the Padres.
The Rays continued to mount a comeback with the 7-8-9 hitters reaching base, and Yandy Diaz hit a high fastball that almost resulted in a grand slam. However, Rengifo's knee gave out, allowing all three base runners to score and bring Diaz to third base.
Diaz eventually scored the go-ahead run on Chandler Simpson's second hit of the game, giving him a .384 batting average since the break, which is the highest among qualified hitters. Kevin Kelly then worked an 8th inning without giving up any runs before handing the ball to Bryan Baker for a save, marking his 39th game of the season and his 27th consecutive save since his last blown save on May 13th.
The win was a significant boost for the Rays, who now hold a five-game lead over the Yankees following the Yankees' loss in the first game of a double-header. The Rays will aim for a series sweep tomorrow with staff ace Drew Rasmussen taking the mound against Robbie Ray.
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