ST. PETERSBURG, FL – May 20, 2025 – The Tampa Bay Rays rallied late to defeat the Houston Astros 3-2 last night at Tropicana Field, thanks to a walk-off sacrifice fly in the bottom of the ninth inning. The loss evened the three-game series at one game apiece, setting up a decisive rubber match.
Astros left-hander Brandon Walter, making his first major league start, pitched five strong scoreless innings, allowing just three hits and one walk while striking out five. He did not factor into the decision. The loss went to Kaleb Ort (1-1), who surrendered the walk-off run. For the Rays, Manuel Rodríguez (1-2) earned the win in relief.
The Astros got on the board early. In the top of the second inning, Jake Meyers hit an RBI double to center field, scoring Victor Caratini and giving Houston a 1-0 lead. An inning later, in the top of the third, Isaac Paredes blasted a solo home run to left field, his eighth of the season, extending the Astros’ lead to 2-0.
The 2-0 lead held for the Astros deep into the game, as Walter and the Astros bullpen kept the Rays’ offense at bay. However, the Rays mounted a comeback in the bottom of the eighth inning. With runners on second and third, Jonathan Aranda singled to right field off Astros reliever Steven Okert, scoring two runs and tying the game at 2-2.
The game then went to the bottom of the ninth tied. After a leadoff single and a walk, the Rays had runners on first and second with two outs. Taylor Walls then hit a sacrifice fly to left fielder Chas McCormick, deep enough to score Christopher Morel from third, giving the Rays a dramatic 3-2 walk-off victory.
The Astros outhit the Rays 9-6 but left 9 runners on base, unable to add to their early lead.
The loss dropped the Astros’ record to 25-23. The series is now tied 1-1, with the decisive third game to be played tomorrow.