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Plain and simple the Rays have had the Astros number thus far this season. Four times the Astros faced the Rays and four times the Astros add another loss to their overall record.
The Rays pitching had stifled the Astros. Through the first four games, the Astros were batting .171 against Rays pitching. Tampa Bay's bullpen hadn't given up a run a run either in 14 2/3 innings.
Tuesday's game started out as if the Astros were going to have to pull teeth to get a run on the board. Jason Castro and Jose Altuve hit back-to-back singles. Marwin Gonzalez put the Astros with a double, scoring Castro.
Curt Casali tied the game with a home run to left field in the fifth. The Rays took the lead in the seventh after the Rays loaded the bases in the seventh. Evan Longoria grounded to Carlos Correa. Correa's throw took Altuve away from the bag, requiring him to make sure he got the out at second - allowing Kevin Kiermaier to score.
Steve Geltz replaced Jake Odorizzi, and continued the Rays bullpen success with a clean seventh inning. Jake McGee replaced Geltz in the eighth. The dam finally broke for the Astros with McGee on the mound.
Altuve and Gonzalez led off the eighth with singles. Correa followed with a rip down the left field line -- scoring Altuve. Colby Rasmus would have a chance with the bases loaded to plate another run, but grounded into a 3-1-3 double play.
The Rays closer Brad Boxberger came in to pitch in the tenth as both teams were unable to muster any offense in the ninth. He would only face one batter, as Marwin Gonzalez sent the Astros home happy.
Gonzalez smacked a 92 mph fastball into the right field stands, giving the Astros their second walk-off win in three nights.
The Astros got a strong effort from their pitching staff on Tuesday. Scott Feldman pitched seven inning, allowing two runs on nine hits. Will Harris and Luke Gregerson combined to allow zero runs and zero hits over three innings of relief.
Dallas Keuchel takes on Nathan Kars in game three on Wednesday at 7:10 p.m.