Diaz powers Rays rally
Yandy Diaz provided the decisive blow in the sixth inning, driving in the go-ahead run with a home run to left center. The 396-foot shot extended Tampa Bay's lead to 5-1, setting the tone for the final stretch of the game at Tropicana Field.
Diaz's performance was the centerpiece of an offensive display that saw the Rays score six runs total, breaking away from the New York Mets in the middle innings.
Mets strike first
The visiting Mets opened the scoring in the first inning when Francisco Lindor hit a home run to right field. The 367-foot blast gave New York a 1-0 lead. However, the Rays responded immediately in the bottom of the first.
Jordan Caminero singled to left field, allowing Diaz to score and tie the game at 1-1. This early exchange established the competitive nature of the matchup before the Rays began to pull ahead.
Rays extend lead
Tampa Bay increased their advantage in the third inning. When Jose Vilade singled to right field, Luis Mesa Jr. scored, pushing the Rays' lead to 2-1. The momentum shifted decisively in the sixth inning.
After a double by Fortes brought in Simpson for a 3-1 lead, a sacrifice fly by Walls sent Fortes home for a 4-1 margin. Diaz's home run followed, making it 5-1. In the seventh, Lindor walked and Young scored, narrowing the gap to 5-2.
The Rays closed the scoring in the eighth when a ground ball by Vilade forced Mesa Jr. in for the final run, settling the score at 6-2.
Peralta dominates mound
Freddy Peralta earned the win, pitching six innings while allowing three hits and one earned run. He struck out seven batters and walked none. The Rays' bullpen held steady in the late frames.
Tyler Wells recorded the save, pitching one and two-thirds innings without allowing a hit or an earned run, striking out one and walking one. Kevin Kelly closed the game with one inning of work, allowing no hits or earned runs and striking out two. For the Mets, Sean Manaea took the loss, pitching five and two-thirds innings while allowing 11 hits and five earned runs.
He struck out two and walked one. The Rays improved their record to 83-55, while the Mets fell to 62-77.
Sources
https://www.espn.com/mlb/game/_/gameId/401816759
