Rays 5, Angels 1
Justin Ruggiano had two hits and knocked in three runs as the visiting Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Los Angeles Angels 5-1 Monday night.
Ruggiano, who came into the game with one hit in 12 at-bats, had an RBI single in the first inning and a two-run homer off losing pitcher Tyler Chatwood (3-3) in the sixth. Ruggiano’s only other hit this season was a three-run home run.
David Price (7-5), who gave up a season-high 12 hits in a loss to the Angels April 29, allowed just three hits before giving up a double, a single and a run to start the eighth inning. He was pulled after 114 pitches.
Maicer Izturis had two hits for the Angels, who have lost five of six.
Reid Brignac, batting .167 coming in, had three hits and scored a run for the Rays, who are 2-3 on their season-high 11-game road trip thus far. Johnny Damon reached base for the 32nd straight game, a new career high, with a single to lead off the game and later scored on Matt Joyce’s sacrifice fly.
Rays third baseman Evan Longoria was a late scratch from the lineup due to the stomach flu. B.J. Upton was also out due to the flu.