Luis Patiño strong in return, Rays beat Royals 7-1
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By MARK DIDTLER
Associated Press
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Luis Patiño pitched strongly into the sixth inning, Yandy Díaz drove in three runs, and the Tampa Bay Rays beat the Kansas City Royals 7-1. Tampa Bay started the day tied with Toronto for the second AL wild card. The Rays have won five of six. Patiño was recalled from Triple-A Durham to make his first big league appearance since July 23. He gave up four hits in 5 2/3 scoreless innings. Díaz homered on the second pitch from Max Castillo leading off the first, and had a two-run double during a during a five-run seventh off Brad Keller.