Smith lifts Rays to thin win over Athletics

Oakland, California: Mallex Smith hit an RBI single with two outs in the 13th inning, Jonny Venters got his first save in seven years to cap a seven-hit shutout and the Tampa Bay Rays outlasted the Oakland Athletics 1-0 on Monday.

Chris Archer went six innings as the first of six pitchers for the Rays in their first shutout of the season. Ryne Stanek (1-0) retired five batters to win and Venters struck out Matt Olson with the tying run on base for his first save since 2011. Venters missed five seasons due to four major elbow surgeries, including three Tommy John operations, before returning to the big leagues this year. The Rays have won four of five. (AP)