Tampa Bay Rays defeat Texas Rangers 7-6 behind strong pitching from Nick Martinez
3 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 7, 2026, 2:00 AM
Last updated Sep 7, 2026
The Tampa Bay Rays recorded a 7-6 road victory over the Texas Rangers on Friday. With this result, the Rays improve to 84-57 on the season and maintain a four-game lead over the New York Yankees in the American League East standings. Nick Martinez earned his 14th win of the season after throwing 6.1 innings and allowing three earned runs. The offense supported the effort with 12 hits, including home runs from Jonathan Aranda and Richie Palacios. Concern emerged for the Tampa Bay bullpen when closer Bryan Baker left the game in the ninth inning after 15 pitches, though the team has not disclosed an injury. Tyler Wells ultimately secured his sixth save of the year. The teams meet again on Saturday in Arlington, with Drew Rasmussen slated to face Jacob deGrom.
- •Tampa Bay defeated Texas 7-6 to move to 84-57 overall.
- •Nick Martinez earned his 14th win of the season.
- •Jonathan Aranda and Richie Palacios hit home runs for the Rays.
- •Closer Bryan Baker exited the game in the ninth inning after 15 pitches.
- •Drew Rasmussen and Jacob deGrom are scheduled to pitch in Saturday's contest.
- 2:00 AMYahoo Sports — Welcome to Splitsville: Rangers 8, Rays 6
- 9:14 AMTampa Bay Times — Rays end 10-game losing streak at Rangers’ stadium, but it isn’t easy - Tampa Bay Times
- 5:39 AMYahoo Sports — Rays Get Huge Road Win Against Rangers, But Closer's Early Exit Is Worth Watching
"Globe Life Field has been a house of horrors for the Rays in recent years, so walking away from this four-game road set with a split should be seen as a blessing. The Rays are still four games up on the Yankees in the race for the AL East, and could clinch a postseason berth […]
"The Tampa Bay Rays beat the Texas Rangers 7-6 to improve to 84-57 and extend their AL East lead over the New York Yankees to four games. Nick Martinez earned his 14th win, while Bryan Baker's early exit creates a potential injury concern.
"What had seemed a safe lead is reduced to one run in the seventh, but Tampa Bay hangs on for its first win at Globe Life Field since June 2, 2022.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 7, 2026, 2:00 AMWelcome to Splitsville: Rangers 8, Rays 6
Globe Life Field has been a house of horrors for the Rays in recent years, so walking away from this four-game road set with a split should be seen as a blessing. The Rays are still four games up on the Yankees in the race for the AL East, and could clinch a postseason berth […]
- Tampa Bay TimesSep 5, 2026, 9:14 AMRays end 10-game losing streak at Rangers’ stadium, but it isn’t easy - Tampa Bay Times
What had seemed a safe lead is reduced to one run in the seventh, but Tampa Bay hangs on for its first win at Globe Life Field since June 2, 2022.
- Yahoo SportsSep 5, 2026, 5:39 AMRays Get Huge Road Win Against Rangers, But Closer's Early Exit Is Worth Watching
The Tampa Bay Rays beat the Texas Rangers 7-6 to improve to 84-57 and extend their AL East lead over the New York Yankees to four games. Nick Martinez earned his 14th win, while Bryan Baker's early exit creates a potential injury concern.
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