Brandon Lowe leads Rays to victory over Guardians in Tampa

On Thursday night, the Tampa Bay Rays ended a three-game losing streak with a 5-2 victory over the Cleveland Guardians. Brandon Lowe made a significant impact by hitting his 18th home run in the first inning off pitcher Gavin Williams. The Rays' bullpen was instrumental in this win, allowing only one hit over seven scoreless innings, showcasing their dominance on the mound. This performance marked a career-best in innings for Sulser, who earned his first win since joining Tampa Bay from the New York Mets. Cleveland's Lane Thomas contributed to the Guardians' score with a two-out double in the first inning, marking his rise as one of the hottest hitters in the American League for September. His performance has notably improved his batting average, reflecting his recent success at the plate. However, the Guardians struggled to capitalize on their opportunities, particularly against the Rays' pitching staff, which kept them at bay throughout the game. Manager Kevin Cash, returning from a one-game suspension, expressed his amusement at not seeing former manager Terry Francona in the opposing dugout, highlighting the changes in the league. The game also featured strategic decisions, such as pulling Pepiot early due to concerns about his velocity, indicating the team's focus on maintaining player health as the season progresses. Looking ahead, the Guardians are set to start Tanner Bibee in their next game against Zach Littell, who has had a strong track record against Cleveland. This matchup will be crucial for both teams as they navigate the final stretch of the season.