KANSAS CITY -- Just when the Rays needed it, they relied on their two biggest thumpers -- Steven Souza Jr. and Logan Morrison -- to deliver home runs in the fifth inning that propelled them to a 5-3 win over the reeling Royals on Wednesday night at Kauffman Stadium.
The Rays pulled within three games of the Twins for the second American League Wild Card spot, pending the Twins-White Sox outcome on Wednesday night. The Royals, who have lost six of seven, dropped 3 1/2 games behind the Twins.
The Rays' bullpen delivered four scoreless innings, including two from Steve Cishek.