Rays bullpen, bats melt down in loss to Nationals

ST. PETERSBURG — The usually-reliable Shawn Armstrong gave up six runs in the seventh inning, and the Rays were held to two hits as the Nationals romped 8-1 Saturday in front of an announced crowd of 17,501 at Tropicana Field.

The Rays dipped below .500 at 41-42. They’ll wrap up this homestand Sunday with the Nationals (39-43), hoping they can clinch their fourth straight series.

Armstrong has struggled in two straight appearances, allowing two earned runs in his last outing.

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• Kristie Ackert is a sports reporter who writes about professional sports in Tampa Bay. Reach her at kackert@tampabay.com.

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