SHAWN ARMSTRONG

Wander Franco had three RBIs, Jonathan Aranda homered and the Tampa Bay Rays beat the Toronto Blue Jays 10-5 in the opener of a big four-game series between playoff contenders.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — (AP) — Aaron Judge led off the game with his major league-leading 53rd homer and the New York Yankees stopped the Tampa Bay Rays 2-1 Sunday to avoid a three-game sweep. Frankie Montas (5-11) allowed one hit over five shutout innings as the AL East-leading Yankees increased their lead to five games over Tampa Bay. Down 2-0, Tampa Bay tried to rally in the ninth against Clay Holmes, the fourth Yankees reliever. David Peralta led off with his second double of the game and scored on a one-out single by pinch-hitter Francisco Mejia. Tampa Bay loaded the bases with two out in the seventh before Jonathan Loaisiga retired Díaz on broken-bat grounder.

Rays Orioles Baseball Baltimore Orioles designated hitter Trey Mancini watches his inside the park home run hit against Tampa Bay Rays relief pitcher Shawn Armstrong during the eighth inning of a baseball game, Thursday, July 28, 2022, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams) (Terrance Williams)HOUSTON — (AP) — The Houston Astros acquired first baseman Trey Mancini from the Baltimore Orioles in a three-team trade Monday that also moved speedy outfielder Jose Siri to the Tampa Bay Rays. The Astros were in the market for a first baseman with Yuli Gurriel struggling this season. The 30-year-old Mancini is hitting .268 with 10 homers and 41 RBIs in 92 games this season. The Astros sent Siri to the Rays and minor league right-hander Chayce McDermott to the Orioles.

The Houston Astros have acquired first baseman Trey Mancini from the Baltimore Orioles in a three-team trade that also moved speedy outfielder Jose Siri to the Tampa Bay Rays.

Anthony Rizzo hit a solo home run with one out in the ninth inning and the streaking New York Yankees beat the Tampa Bay Rays 2-1 for their 14th straight home win.

(AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File)BOSTON – The pandemic-delayed 2020 season is being followed up by a rain-delayed start to 2021 for the Boston Red Sox. The Red Sox postponed their opener against the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park on Thursday because of rain that was forecast to last all day. "One day, two days, three days — I really don't care, to be honest with you," Red Sox manager Alex Cora said. The Red Sox made the announcement at 9 a.m., about five hours before the scheduled first pitch. “The decision to postpone our first game of the season was not made lightly,” Red Sox President Sam Kennedy said.

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Cole Hamels throws a pitch to the Baltimore Orioles during the first inning of a baseball game, Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2020, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)BALTIMORE – Cole Hamels finally got on the mound in an Atlanta uniform, allowing three runs to the Baltimore Orioles before reaching his predetermined pitch count in the fourth inning, and the Braves struggled offensively in a 5-1 loss Wednesday night. The 36-year-old Hamels signed a one-year contract with Atlanta in December and was expected to be a major contributor in the rotation. Adding to Hamels' frustration was that he had made at least 20 starts in each of his previous 14 seasons. Snitker said Fried would have started the series finale against the Orioles if Hamels wasn't already penciled in.