ANAHEIM, Calif. – The Rays posted an impressive fourth straight win Thursday, beating the powerful Angels 7-1. But, befitting the up-and-down, back-and-forth, good-and-bad nature of their eventful season, it came with a loss as shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria left in the second inning due to a right hamstring strain.
The victory was certainly a team effort, as they rapped 14 hits in improving to 20-22, including two-run homers from Denard Span and Johnny Field, and got an impressive 6-plus inning outing from Chris Archer.
But the local story line will be slanted toward C.J. Cron, who made the most of his first game back as ex-Angel, using hustle and muscle to lead the way, homering in the sixth for the game's first tally, then beating out an infield hit and stealing second to produce another run.