Jose Siri’s ninth-inning heroics lifted the Tampa Bay Rays to an 8-6 victory over the Atlanta Braves on Sunday, avoiding a three-game sweep. Siri’s two-run homer off Raisel Iglesias was the decisive blow, following a thrilling game that saw the Rays come back from a 6-2 deficit.
Ben Rortvedt’s grand slam in the fourth inning gave the Rays a 6-2 lead, but the Braves fought back with Austin Riley’s two-run homer in the eighth, tying the game at 6-6. In the ninth, Siri’s 416-foot blast to left-center field sealed the win for the Rays.
Rays manager Kevin Cash praised his team’s effort, saying, “Wins are tough to come by…we are feeling it right now.” Pete Fairbanks earned his 10th save in 11 chances, despite a nervy ninth inning.
The Braves’ rookie starter, Hurston Waldrep, struggled again, allowing six runs in 3 1/3 innings. He was sent down to Triple-A Gwinnett after the game. Matt Olson extended his hitting streak to 10 games, and Jarred Kelenic and Travis d’Arnaud also homered for the Braves.
The Rays’ win was a welcome relief after a tough stretch, and Siri’s walk-off homer was a thrilling moment for the team. As teammate Ben Rortvedt said, “He’s electric…it’s a lot of fun to watch.”