ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Cedric Mullins hit a go-ahead home run in the eighth inning Thursday as the Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Texas Rangers 3-2 in the finale of a three-game series.
Mullins sent a pitch from Rangers reliever Ben Peoples just inside the left-field foul pole with two outs, breaking a 2-2 tie.
The 338-foot solo home run gave Tampa Bay its second consecutive victory and the series win.
Texas threatened in the ninth after Nicky Lopez and Wyatt Langford drew walks against Rays closer Bryan Baker.
Evan Carter then drove a ball toward the right-field corner, but Victor Mesa Jr. made a leaping catch to prevent a potential extra-base hit.
Baker struck out Ezequiel Duran to end the game and secure the victory.
The Rangers finished with two hits, went 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position and left nine runners on base. Texas did not record a hit over the final four innings.
Tampa Bay took a 1-0 lead in the third when Yandy DÃaz singled home Hunter Feduccia.
Texas tied the game in the fourth after Rays starter Shane McClanahan left because of tightness in the middle of his back.
Joc Pederson hit a ground ball that deflected off shortstop Taylor Walls, allowing Duran to score.
The Rangers moved ahead 2-1 in the fifth when Langford doubled into the left-field corner, scoring Alejandro Osuna from first base. Texas later put runners at second and third but failed to add to its lead.
Jonny DeLuca tied the game in the sixth with a 415-foot solo home run off Peyton Gray.
Garrett Cleavinger earned the win after pitching a scoreless inning for Tampa Bay.
Peoples took the loss after allowing one run on two hits in two-thirds of an inning. Baker earned the save.
Texas used Cole Winn as an opener before turning to Marco Gonzales and five other relievers. The Rangers’ pitching held Tampa Bay to three runs despite allowing nine hits.
The Rangers fell to 55-54 but remained in first place in the American League West. Texas will look to get back into the winning column as they open a three-game series against the Houston Astros on Friday.
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