Lowe boosts Rays, odds of sticking around

Brandon Lowe stroked a two-run single and Mallex Smith added a pair of RBIs for the Rays in a win against the Royals on Wednesday at Tropicana Field. Tampa Bay reliever Ryne Stanek opened the game with two perfect frames during the win, which assured the Rays at least a series win heading into Thursday’s finale. Hunter Lowe and Whit Merrifield homered for Kansas City in the loss.