The Rays looked to bring their winning ways with them to Progressive Field in Cleveland, as they opened a three-game series with the Cleveland Indians. After sweeping the Chicago White Sox at home and taking three of four from the Washington Nationals in a home-and-home set, Tampa Bay took the field behind Erasmo Ramirez looking to keep up his recent success.
The Rays offense did its part to give Ramirez the lead he wanted early. After a lead-off walk to Kevin Kiermaier and a single by Joey Butler, Evan Longoria launched his seventh big fly of the year.