PITTSBURGH — Manager Joe Maddon spoke Sunday about how the Rays' first half — their best in franchise history — has been of the "anonymous" variety, devoid of one shining star.

Though Tampa Bay's 4-3 win over the Pirates at PNC Park fit that theme to a "T," thanks to unexpected heros such as backup catcher Shawn Riggans (who had a homer and two RBIs) and fill-in second baseman Willy Aybar (who homered), what stood out was that the Rays won a game they would have typically let slip away in years past.

They were far from perfect, with two big defensive miscues and missed opportunities at the plate. But at the end of the day — and a 5-1 road trip — the Rays (49-32) owned the AL's best record and the top spot in the East. Tampa Bay, which is on pace for 98 wins, moved a half-game ahead of the Red Sox, whom it will host the next three days in one of the most anticipated series in franchise history.

Just as important to the Rays as where they're at is how far they've come. They've won the most games in a first half by any team that had the majors' worst record the year before.

"We come to the park every single day expecting to win," starter Andy Sonnanstine said. "Last year, if we were tied 2-2 in the middle of the game, it always felt like we were down a couple runs. Not with this team. We feel we can do some pretty major things."

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com