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Peralta punctuates late-season surge with 5 1/3 scoreless in Philly

The Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Philadelphia Phillies 2-0 on Friday night at Citizens Bank Park, improving their record to 97-63 and delaying Philadelphia's postseason qualification. Starting pitcher Freddy Peralta capped his strong regular-season finish by throwing 5 1/3 scoreless innings, giving up four hits and three walks while strengthening his case for a spot in the playoff rotation.

Early run support came from Junior Caminero, Ryan Vilade, and Jonny DeLuca with consecutive singles in the first inning, followed by Nick Fortes hitting his sixth home run of the year in the second. Relief pitchers Cam Booser and Bryan Baker closed out the victory, with Baker securing his 30th consecutive save opportunity and his 41st overall.

Manager Kevin Cash expressed satisfaction with the team's competitive effort, while right-hander Manuel Rodríguez returned to the bullpen after being reinstated from the injured list.

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