Knocking out the starting pitcher after two innings is supposed to lead to a win.

Instead, the Cleveland Guardians couldn’t add to their lead and eventually lost 5-2 to the Tampa Bay Rays last night.

Cleveland still enjoys a four-game lead over the Kansas City Royals in the AL Central Division.

Brandon Lowe launched a 380-foot home run over the right-field wall off Gavin Williams in the top of the first.

The Guardians bounced back in the bottom of the first when the red-hot Lane Thomas doubled to score Jose Ramirez. Thomas is hitting .421 in September.

Cleveland took a 2-1 lead in the second. Andres Gimenez singled, and right fielder Josh Lowe’s throwing error allowed Brayan Rocchio to score.

Tampa Bay manager Kevin Cash pulled starter Ryan Pepiot after two innings because he was losing velocity. But the Guardians offense only managed one hit against the five Rays relievers who pitched the rest of the game.

RAY OF HOPE

Williams didn’t pitch terribly, but he did give up the lead in the fourth, dropping his record to 3-9.

Jonathan Aranda tied the game with a sacrifice fly, and Jose Caballero scored on a throwing error by Thomas in center field.

The Rays pulled further ahead on a single by Caballero in the eighth and a sacrifice fly by Logan Driscoll in the ninth.

Cleveland will try to even the score as the series continues tonight at 7:10. Tanner Bibee (11-7) will start for the Guardians, while the Rays will counter with Zack Littell (6-9).