Chandler Simpson robs a homer and drives in go-ahead run as Rays beat Blue Jays 2-1

By Canadian Press on September 17, 2025.

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Rays center fielder Chandler Simpson robbed Alejandro Kirk of a three-run homer and later singled in the go-ahead run in the seventh inning of Tampa Bay’s 2-1 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays on Wednesday night.

The AL East-leading Blue Jays saw their six-game winning streak end, while the Rays snapped a three-game skid.

Tampa Bay rookie Ian Seymour (4-2) worked a career-best seven innings in his fourth start, allowing one unearned run on four hits. He struck out three and walked one.

With the Rays leading 1-0 in the fourth, the Blue Jays had runners on second and third with none out when Kirk hit a fly ball to deep center at Steinbrenner Field. Simpson leaped and made the catch with his glove above the wall, turning a potential homer into a sacrifice fly.

Simpson went 3-for-4 on the night. He doubled in the first and scored on Yandy Diaz’s single. In the seventh, he lined a single to right off Yariel Rodriguez (2-2) to score Carson Williams.

Rays slugger Junior Caminero exited after the sixth with back tightness.

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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

Kristie Ackert, The Associated Press

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