Tampa Bay Rays edged Texas Rangers 5-4 on June 5, 2025. Brandon Lowe starred; Pete Fairbanks saved. Rays' impressive run prevention streak now at 15 games!
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Good morning, Rays fans! Your Tampa Bay Rays pulled off another nail-biter last night, securing a crucial 5-4 victory over the Texas Rangers. Brandon Lowe was the offensive catalyst, but the big story continues to be the team's incredible pitching and defense, now just one game shy of a franchise record for run prevention. The Trop was buzzing, and the Wild Card chase is heating up!
The Rays have now allowed four runs or fewer in 15 consecutive games, one shy of the franchise record set from September 16 to October 3, 2021.
The offense came alive early, with Brandon Lowe launching a solo shot in the first. The real damage came in a four-run third inning, highlighted by back-to-back doubles from the Lowe brothers, Josh and Brandon, and capped by a clutch two-run single from Jake Mangum. Yandy Díaz and Jonathan Aranda also chipped in with singles. Shane Baz battled through five innings, allowing three runs to pick up his fifth win (5-3). Despite a tense ninth where he allowed a run, Pete Fairbanks slammed the door for his 11th save, getting Corey Seager to ground out to end it. It wasn't all smooth sailing, with a notable defensive moment where Wyatt Langford acrobatically hurdled Aranda at first, and a throwing error by José Caballero keeping things interesting. The Rangers' Jonah Heim tried to play spoiler with a two-run homer, but the Rays' resilience won the day.
This victory marked the 15th consecutive game where the Rays have allowed four runs or fewer. This incredible stretch of pitching and defense puts them just one game shy of tying the franchise record of 16 games, set back in 2021. It's a testament to the entire staff, from starters like Baz to relievers like Fairbanks, and the solid defense behind them. This consistency is exactly what the team needs as they push for a playoff spot.
In other news, veteran outfielder Travis Jankowski, who provided a memorable walk-off hit during his 14-game stint, has elected free agency after clearing waivers. The Rays appreciated his veteran presence, especially during a period of outfield injuries. Looking ahead to tonight's series finale, the Rays will send Jack Leiter (4-2, 3.66 ERA) to the mound. He'll be facing off against former Ray Ryan Pepiot (3-5, 3.21 ERA), who now pitches for the Rangers. It promises to be an intriguing matchup as the Rays go for the sweep.
Even with offseason changes, the Rays' farm system remains a pipeline of talent, consistently ranked among baseball's deepest. Thirteen of the current Top 30 prospects, including 2024 first-rounder Theo Gillen, have joined the organization since last year. The focus on development and cohesion is paying off, with prospects like Aidan Smith, Brody Hopkins, and Homer Bush Jr. showing significant progress. The future continues to look bright in St. Pete.
With Jack Leiter on the mound tonight aiming to clinch the series sweep against the Rangers, the Rays have a golden opportunity to not only improve their 32-29 record but also etch their names into the franchise record books. Keep an eye on that run prevention streak – history could be made!
