ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Rays returned Thursday to Tropicana Field deprived of shuteye and a series sweep of the Yankees. The bullpen taxed and the everyday players bleary-eyed, they needed a collective jolt.
On this night, a mere 19 hours after a 10-inning walk-off loss in The Bronx, a quality start proved more stimulating than caffeine.
Recalled from Triple-A Durham to provide an extra day’s rest to the starting rotation, right-hander Luis Patino delivered in a 7-1 triumph against the reeling Royals (48-72) before a Tropicana Field audience of 8,168. Tampa Bay (63-54), winner of five of its last six, is one game behind Seattle (65-54) for the American League’s top wild-card spot.
