Rays 8, Astros 0
Desmond Jennings knocked in four runs and David Price pitched seven superb innings in his first game back from the disabled list as visiting Tampa Bay won its fourth straight.
Price (2-4), who had been sidelined since May 15 with a strained left triceps, allowed three hits and did not walk a batter while striking out 10. Jennings finished with three hits, including a two-run homer in the sixth inning, and Yunel Escobar added a two-run double in the ninth for the Rays.
Carlos Corporan recorded two of the four hits by the Astros, who have dropped five straight and are without a run in the first two games of the series. Houston starter Erik Bedard (3-4) yielded four runs on six hits and six walks over 5 1/3 innings after winning three of his previous four decisions.
Two walks and a single by Jennings loaded the bases in the first inning before Wil Myers lifted a sacrifice fly to right field, giving the Rays a 1-0 lead. Tampa Bay increased its advantage to 3-0 in the fourth on Jennings’ two-out, two-run single past diving second baseman Jose Altuve.
Jose Molina doubled to lead off the sixth and trotted home when Jennings belted his 10th shot of the season to left field off reliever Josh Fields with one out. Price retired the final eight batters he faced and did not allow a runner to reach second base, throwing 70 pitches.
GAME NOTEBOOK: Tampa Bay INF Ryan Roberts, who hit two homers in Monday’s 12-0 victory, was optioned to Triple-A Durham to make room for Price on the roster. … Houston recalled LHP Brett Oberholtzer and optioned RHP Hector Ambriz to Triple-A Oklahoma City. Oberholtzer gave up three runs and five hits over the final two innings Tuesday. … Rays 3B Evan Longoria returned to the lineup after missing three games with plantar fasciitis in his right foot and registered two hits as the DH.