Overview
- Jonny DeLuca returned from a 22-game hamstring absence and hit a two-run, seventh-inning home run on Sunday that gave the Rays a 4-3 lead that held to the final out.
- Starter Nick Martinez worked six innings and the Rays’ bullpen — Garrett Cleavinger, Bryan Baker and closer Kevin Kelly — combined to preserve the late lead.
- The victory extended Tampa Bay’s MLB-best home record to 26-10 and ended a run of narrow road defeats as the team opens a season-long 10-game stay at Tropicana Field.
- Washington showed offensive life — shortstop CJ Abrams homered for a third straight game and went 2-for-4 — but the Nationals have now lost three of four and used lineup tweaks and younger players during the series.
- The win gives the Rays short-term momentum in the AL East race and puts pressure on the pitching staff to sustain late-inning success, while the Nationals must adjust roster and pitching plans before their next series.