Mariners 4, Rays 1
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Tampa Bay's bats stayed cold, and the Rays dropped their third straight game, with two balls misplayed by shortstop Tim Beckham resulting in runs Monday in the Seattle Mariners' 4-1 win over the Rays at Tropicana Field.
Seattle (21-23) got strong pitching from left-hander Roenis Elias (2-1), and Beckham, called up Monday and filling in for injured Asdrubal Cabrera, couldn't make the defensive plays the Rays (24-22) needed.
The Rays got within a run when first baseman Logan Forsythe hit a solo home run in the sixth, but Seattle got that run back in the eighth when Beckham had a ground ball from right fielder Seth Smith bounce off his glove and into the outfield for what was ruled a leadoff double.
Smith scored on an RBI single by second baseman Robinson Cano, who drove in two of the three Seattle runs.
Mariners catcher Mike Zunino added a solo home run -- his sixth of the year -- in the ninth off reliever Brandon Gomes.
Former Rays closer Fernando Rodney pitched the ninth for his 13th save of the season, punctuating the win with his signature arrow-to-the-sky gesture after getting third baseman Evan Longoria to line out to end the game.
A day after the Rays gave up a home run on the first pitch of the game, Seattle had four batters reach base and two score before Tampa Bay recorded the first out of the night.
Smith reached on an error by Beckham, and then left fielder Brad Miller drew a walk from Rays starter Jake Odorizzi. Cano and designated hitter Nelson Cruz followed with RBI singles for a 2-0 lead, but Odorizzi induced a pop fly and double play to escape without any additional damage.
With three total runs in their three straight losses, Tampa Bay's lead in the American League East is down to a half-game after the Yankees' 14-1 win Monday over the Royals. The three-game series continues for the Rays and Mariners on Tuesday night.
NOTES: Rays 1B James Loney expected to miss four to six weeks after breaking his left middle finger while sliding into third base Sunday. He was placed on the 15-day disabled list. Tampa Bay called up INF Tim Beckham from Triple-A Durham, and he started at shortstop Monday. The Rays also optioned RHP Preston Guilmet to Durham and recalled versatile INF/OF Jake Elmore, who started in left field Monday. ... Tampa Bay OF Steven Souza (sprained left wrist) and SS Asdrubal Cabrera (strained left groin) did not start Monday after getting hurt Sunday. ... Both teams wore special Memorial Day caps and uniforms with camouflage lettering and numbers. Proceeds from the sale of the game-worn uniforms will be donated to the Welcome Back Veterans program.