Evan Longoria smacked a two-run home run and Wade Davis pitched five solid innings as the Tampa Bay Rays beat the host Texas Rangers 5-2 on Sunday to force a fifth and deciding game in the American League Division Series.
Carlos Pena had a triple, double, drove in a run and scored twice as the Rays jumped out to a 5-0 lead to even the series at two games apiece. Longoria, who was 1-for-12 entering the contest, added a pair of doubles to go with the home run.
Game 5 will be held Tuesday at St. Petersburg, Fla., in a series where the home team has yet to win.
Davis (1-0) allowed two runs in five-plus innings for the Rays, who are trying to become just the second team to win a division series after dropping the first two games at home.
Tampa Bay’s bullpen contributed four scoreless innings, including Rafael Soriano’s 1-2-3 ninth for the save.
Rangers starter Tommy Hunter (0-1) lasted just four innings, allowing three runs on six hits while striking out seven. He suffered his first home loss after going 7-0 during the regular season at Rangers Ballpark.
Nelson Cruz hit a solo homer for Texas – his third of the series and the seventh overall for the Rangers.
Tampa Bay | Texas | |
Wade Davis | Player | Tommy Hunter |
Win | W/L | Loss |
5.0 | IP | 4.0 |
7 | Strikeouts | 7 |
7 | Hits | 6 |
3.60 | ERA | 4.50 |
Tampa Bay | Texas | |
Evan Longoria | Player | Elvis Andrus |
3 | Hits | 2 |
2 | RBI | 0 |
1 | HR | 0 |
8 | TB | 3 |
.750 | Avg | .400 |