Brandon Lowe Powers Rays to 5-4 Victory Over Rangers

Brandon Lowe launched a solo home run in the first inning, setting the tone for the Tampa Bay Rays as they edged out the Texas Rangers 5-4 on Wednesday night.

Back-to-back doubles from Josh Lowe and Brandon Lowe ignited a rally, followed by consecutive singles from Yandy Díaz and Jonathan Aranda. Jake Magnum's two-run single with two outs capped a four-run third inning, pushing Tampa Bay ahead 5-0.

Shane Baz (5-3) allowed three runs over five innings, while Pete Fairbanks secured his 11th save of the season with a one-run performance in the ninth.

Kumar Rocker (1-4), recently activated from the 15-day injured list due to shoulder issues, struggled, surrendering five runs in just 3 1/3 innings.

In the fifth inning, Jonah Heim connected for a two-run homer with two outs. Following that, Josh Smith singled and scored on a double from Wyatt Langford. Corey Seager then drew a four-pitch walk before Baz struck out Josh Jung, who represented the potential go-ahead run.

Langford showcased his agility, leaping over Rays first baseman Aranda to avoid a tag, reaching safely due to a throwing error by shortstop José Caballero.

The Rays had previously won the series opener against the Rangers 5-1 on Tuesday, marking the beginning of a challenging nine-game road stretch for Texas.

After a promising six-game winning streak, the Rangers have now lost 11 of their last 15 games.

Magnum's ground ball to first baseman Jake Burger drove in both Díaz and Aranda. Rocker's slow reaction to cover first base allowed Magnum to reach safely, and he held onto the ball as Aranda crossed home plate from second.

The Rays have maintained an impressive defensive streak, allowing four runs or fewer in 15 consecutive games—just one shy of tying the franchise record set between September 16 and October 3, 2021.

Looking ahead, Jack Leiter (4-2, 3.66 ERA) is scheduled to pitch for the Rays on Thursday against Ryan Pepiot (3-5, 3.21) in the final game of this three-game series.