ARLINGTON, Texas, Oct. 9 (UPI) -- John Jaso stroked a go-ahead RBI single in the eighth inning Saturday, sending Tampa Bay past Texas 6-3 to keep the Rays alive in the American League playoffs.
After Carlos Pena drew the Rays even 2-2 with a run-scoring single earlier in the frame, Jaso lined a pitch from Neftali Feliz up the middle to score Pena with the go-ahead run. The Rays added three more in the ninth to take Game 3 of their American League Division Series with the Rangers.
With the victory, Tampa Bay avoided a three-game sweep and forced a Game 4 Sunday afternoon.
Pena socked a two-run homer and Carl Crawford added a solo blast in the ninth to provide insurance runs.
Joaquin Benoit (1-0) got the win with 1 2/3 scoreless innings in relief of starter Matt Garza, who limited Texas to one earned run on five hits through six innings.
Darren Oliver (0-1), the fourth Texas pitcher, was saddled with the loss after yielding two runs in 1 1/3 innings.
Nelson Cruz and Ian Kinsler hit solo homers in the Rangers' loss.
