Rays defeat Rangers 7-6 despite Elias Díaz grand slam

The Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Texas Rangers 7-6 on Friday. Elias Díaz hit his first grand slam of 2026 during the seventh inning, cutting a 6-1 deficit to a single run. The Rangers attempted a comeback in the ninth after two batters reached base, but a sacrifice fly from Díaz was their only production against the Tampa Bay bullpen. The Rays added an insurance run in the ninth inning that proved decisive in the final outcome. The Rangers fell to a 70-72 record following the loss. The two teams are scheduled to play again on Saturday at 6:05 pm CDT with Jacob deGrom starting for Texas against Drew Rasmussen.

• 9:54 PMYahoo Sports — 71-73 – Rangers put on their rally pants to take finale from Rays 8-6
• 2:00 AMYahoo Sports — 70-73 – Rangers extend suffering with 6-3 loss to Rays in extras
• 3:10 AMYahoo Sports — 70-72 – Diaz slam not enough as Rangers fall 7-6 to Rays