D-Rays’ rally dooms Royals, 7-2

? The Tampa Bay Devil Rays are a different team in the late innings.

Jorge Cantu hit a go-ahead, three-run double with two outs in the seventh inning, and the Devil Rays beat Kansas City, 7-2, Friday night to extend the Royals’ losing streak to five.

Tampa Bay has come from behind in four of its five victories. Three times the Devil Rays have rallied to win when behind after six innings.

“I think they’re turning it up in tight situations, and I like it,” Tampa Bay manager Joe Maddon said. “Our guys, as the game gets later, it just seems like their focus gets better at the plate.”

The Devil Rays have been outscored 52-22 through five innings this season. They have a 36-17 advantage over the final four.

Toby Hall hit an RBI single in the eighth, and Carl Crawford’s two-out grounder was misplayed by first baseman Doug Mientkiewicz – a seventh-inning defensive replacement – for a three-run error.

“We are just going through one of those spells,” Royals manager Buddy Bell said.

Scott Elarton (0-3) gave up three runs, three hits and six walks in 61â3 innings.

Kansas City pitchers walked seven, raising their total to 27 in the last four games.