ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Aug. 3 (UPI) -- B.J. Upton's three-run homer in the seventh Tuesday lifted the Tampa Bay Rays to a 6-4 win over Minnesota and into first place in the AL East.
After two runners reached against Matt Guerrier (1-6) in a 3-3 tie game, Upton smashed a pitch deep into the left field stands, helping Tampa Bay to its 10th win in 11 games and vaulting them over the New York Yankees, who lost their third straight Tuesday when they fell to Toronto 8-2.
Sean Rodriguez connected for a three-run shot for the victors.
Jeff Niemann (10-3) collected the win, allowing three runs on eight hits in seven innings. Rafael Soriano closed out the game for this 31st save despite allowing a run in the ninth on his own fielding error.
Joe Mauer went 3-for-4 with three RBI for Minnesota.
