KANSAS CITY, Mo., Oct. 2 (UPI) -- Matt Joyce socked a two-run triple and Carl Crawford homered Saturday in the Tampa Bay Rays' 4-0 win over Kansas City.
Joyce's key blow came in the first inning and put the Rays ahead to stay. Crawford's blast made it 3-0 in the third.
Chad Qualls (2-0), one of eight Tampa Bay pitchers to team up on the eight-hit shutout, got the win, which allowed the Rays to keep pace with the New York Yankees in their quest to win the American League East title.
Tampa Bay entered the game one game behind the Yanks with one contest remaining. Should the two teams finish with identical records, the AL East title and home field advantage throughout the playoffs would go to the Rays based on head-to-head meetings.
The team finishing second will take the AL wild-card crown and begin the playoffs Wednesday against the Minnesota Twins in Minneapolis.
Kansas City starter Kyle Davies (8-12) surrendered four runs on six hits over 5 2/3 innings.
