Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash stressed the importance of the team’s performance in their remaining regular-season games, regardless of their chances of catching up to the division-leading Orioles. Last night, the players really took his message to heart and showed it on the field.
In front of a crowd of 15,176 fans at Tropicana Field, the Rays came out strong and secured a 6-2 victory against the Angels. This win was crucial for the Rays, who had just ended a two-game losing streak, and they were determined to narrow the gap between them and the Orioles in the division.
The turning point of the game happened in the eighth inning when rookie infielder Osleivis Basabe hit a two-run double over centerfielder Brett Phillips’ head. This hit broke the 2-2 tie, and Rene Pinto followed up with a single, bringing in two more runs to seal a strong finish for the Rays.
However, there were some dramatic moments in the game. Pitcher Robert Stephenson, who had an impressive streak of 15 games and 13 innings without allowing a run, saw that streak come to an end in the top of the eighth. A misjudged slider resulted in Zach Neto hitting a game-tying home run, which marked the first run and home run Stephenson had allowed since August 9 against the Cardinals.
Rays starter Taj Bradley had a commendable performance, giving up only one run on three hits over five innings. He struck out six batters and only walked one. The only run scored against Bradley came from Logan O’Hoppe’s two-out, 387-foot home run in the fourth inning. Despite his strong performance, Bradley is still searching for a win, with his last victory dating back to June 21 against Baltimore.
The Rays had a promising start with Yandy Diaz hitting a double and advancing to third due to a fielding error. Randy Arozarena followed up with his 23rd home run of the season, bringing Diaz home and giving the Rays a two-run lead. Arozarena’s 403-foot blast was only the second home run at Tropicana Field in the second half of the season.
The Rays are well aware of the importance of finishing the regular season on a strong note. They remember how last season they kind of slipped into the playoffs without much noise and ended up leaving in a disappointing manner. Their second-half record was a so-so 35-35, and they suffered five straight losses, which really hurt their chances in the postseason.
This time, Rays are absolutely determined to change that narrative. They want to gather momentum and have a real impact as they get ready for the playoffs. It’s all about making sure they enter the postseason on a high and don’t repeat the mistakes of the past.
