The Tampa Bay Rays shut out the Chicago White Sox 9-0 on Sunday at Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg.
Austin Meadows and Francisco Mejia shined on the offensive side for the hosts, who produced three points each for the team that dominates the East section of the American with a record of 77-48.
Meadows hit three safe balls in his four rounds at bat and Mejia hit a double in the sixth to allow Brian Goodwin, Wander Franco and Randy Arozarena to cross the plate.
On the mound, five pitchers shared the work. It was the first reliever, Shawn Armstrong (1-0) who was able to put the win on his record and Josh Fleming was credited with the rescue for the winners.
Among the visitors, Reynaldo (2-1) recorded the defeat, he who gave three points to his rivals in four innings pitched.
Another shutout
The St. Louis Cardinals also had a shutout, beating the Pittsburgh Pirates 3-0 at Busch Stadium.
Gunner Adam Wainwright (12-7) shone on the mound, taking part in eight innings of his own while allowing two hits for the Pirates. Alex Reyes came in relief for the ninth inning, making the save at the same time.
A Yadier Molina single in the first round at bat was enough for the Cardinals to win, but Paul Goldschmidt slammed his 19th long ball of the campaign in the fifth and Harrison Bader also made it onto the scoresheet.
Steven Brault (0-2) conceded five hits and a point to his opponents to earn the loss.
Royals win in Chicago
In Chicago, the Kansas City Royals blew the dust 9-1 to the Cubs at Wrigley Field.
Andrew Benintendi gave his team three points by virtue of a double in the third and a sacrifice ball in the sixth.
Royals starter Carlos Hernandez (4-1) was at work for seven innings, earning the win at the same time. Alec Mills (5-6) suffered the Cubs’ backhand after four rounds at bat.
The home team’s only home finish was made by Ian Happ, thanks to a single from Matt Duffy.
The duels that were to put the New York Yankees against the Minnesota Twins and the Boston Red Sox against the Texas Rangers in the spotlight have both been postponed.
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