Bethancourt Stars at Plate, on Mound as Rays Beat Angels

Tampa Bay Rays' Manuel Margot scores against the Los Angeles Angels during the third inning of a baseball game in St. Petersburg, Fla., Aug. 23, 2022. Mike Carlson/AP Photo

ST. PETERSBURG, Florida—Christian Bethancourt had two run-scoring hits in the same inning and later moved from behind the plate to the mound to pitch a scoreless ninth as the surging Tampa Bay Rays beat the Los Angeles Angels 11–1 on Tuesday night.

The Rays own the top AL wild-card spot. They have won four straight and 10 of 12, and they moved a season-best 12 games over .500 at 67–55.