Rays Top Twins 5-1

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Pushing the Tampa Bay Rays back toward .500 might be David Price's way of dampening trade rumors.

The All-Star left-hander pitched eight scoreless innings to win five straight starts for the first time in his major league career, and the Tampa Bay Rays beat the Minnesota Twins 5-1 Saturday night for their fourth consecutive victory.

Price (10-7) gave up four hits, matching his season low, and struck out nine to increase his major league-leading total to 173. He got in trouble only once, giving up consecutive singles to Chris Parmelee and Eduardo Escobar in the fifth before Eduardo Nunez grounded into an inning-ending double play.

Jake McGee got two outs for his eighth save in nine chances, completing a five-hitter.