1-1 after one

Jason Hammel is making his first start of the spring. He’s a candidate for one of the final two spots in the rotation. If not there, than it’s the bullpen for the tall right-hander.

The 6-foot-6 Hammel is out of options, which means it’s pretty much a lock that he starts the season with the Rays.

Hammel allowed a one-out single to Jose Cruz, Jr., the former Ray who is serving as the Astros DH today. Cruz then advanced all the way to third when a pickoff throw from catcher Dioner Navarro sailed down the right field line.

Cruz easily scored on a fly to right by Hunter Pence.

Astros 1, Rays 0

Geoff Blum, another former Ray, flied out to shallow center to end the inning.

The Rays tie it in the bottom of the inning when B.J. Upton doubled off the left field wall, scoring Ben Zobrist, who led-off with a single then stole second.

Rays 1, Astros 0

Carl Crawford drew a walk off Astros starter Runelvys Hernandez.

Hernandez also walked Willy Aybar with two outs to load the bases, but Navarro forced Aybar at second to end the inning.