In the third inning, a patch of thunderstorms began developing in an area about 10 miles east of Sahlen Field. The storm steadily crept its way toward the ballpark as skies looked increasingly ominous and winds intensified.

The grounds crew had a discussion with the umpires and was told to place the tarp on the field. Torrential rain started within a minute of that decision.

“I tried to go see how the field was, but I couldn’t because the dugout was full of water,” Toronto manager Charlie Montoyo said. “We were trying to wait as long as we could, but the forecast wasn’t very good, so they had to suspend the game.”

Tampa Bay, meanwhile, had to find alternative places to wait out the delay.

“Toronto has taken over both clubhouses, and ours is out in right field,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said. “We went on the concourse and hung out in the suites. We had more granola bars.”

Tampa Bay took its 1-0 lead on Austin Meadows’ home run in the third inning.

Rays: Charlie Morton threw about 20 pitches in a bullpen session Saturday and Cash said he’s hoping for Morton to throw off a mound again on Tuesday and was encouraged by the right-hander’s progress. Left-hander Jose Alvarado will be going on the IL with an injured shoulder. Alvarado faced seven batters on Friday night, but, according to Cash, “went out and played catch (Saturday), came in and complained about it not feeling right.”