ST. PETERSBURG – Jake Odorizzi won in his first start in five weeks, Rene Rivera drove in two runs and the Tampa Bay Rays beat the sliding Houston Astros 3-0 today.
Odorizzi (5-5) scattered two hits, walked three and struck out five over 5 2-3 innings in his initial appearance since straining his left oblique June 5. Brad Boxberger, the fourth Rays reliever, pitched the ninth for his 22nd save to complete a three-hitter.
Houston has scored just four runs during a five-game losing streak. The surprising Astros took over first place in the AL West on April 19, but they had their lead dwindle to a half-game over the Los Angeles Angels entering Saturday.