The Rays returned home on Sunday night with plenty of reasons to celebrate after their 4-2 victory over the Padres. This win not only marked a clean sweep of the series but also extended their winning streak to five games—their longest in almost a year—and brought them back to a .500 record for the first time since mid-April.
Zack Littell finally got his first win of the season, allowing just two runs over five innings, putting an end to his string of tough outings. The rookie, Chandler Simpson, continues to be a standout player, igniting three two-out rallies. Since his debut on April 19, the Rays have posted a 6-2 record.
It was truly a team effort for the Rays: Taylor Walls belted a homer, Edwin Uceta secured four crucial outs, Junior Caminero made an incredible catch in the ninth, and Pete Fairbanks successfully closed the game.
The Padres struck first in the second inning, combining three singles, with the last one scoring a run. However, the Rays quickly retaliated with two runs in the third. Taylor Walls hit a surprising homer to right field, marking his first of the season, though he had eight homers in each of the previous two seasons.
They added another run with two outs, as Chandler Simpson drew a walk while down in the count, then stole second and scored on a single by Brandon Lowe. The Padres managed to tie the game off Littell in the third, starting with a lucky break when Fernando Tatis Jr.’s slow roller remained fair, allowing him to reach base.
The Rays reclaimed the lead at 3-2 in the fifth inning. Simpson ignited another rally, reaching base with a single that deflected off Machado’s glove at third. He then scored on a wild pitch after advancing to third on a Lowe single.
Simpson’s hitting streak now stands at eight games—impressive for a rookie! Only three players in Rays history have had longer hitting streaks to start their careers: Rocco Baldelli (11), Brent Abernathy (10), and Akinori Iwamura (9).
In the seventh inning, the Rays had a chance to add more runs, but pinch-runner Jose Caballero was tagged out at home plate by Tatis. They did manage to score again in the ninth when Travis Jankowski led off with a double and Simpson drove him in with a single on an 0-2 count.
Upcoming Schedule
Monday: Off
Next game: 7:05 PM Tuesday vs. Royals at Steinbrenner Field, Tampa
Probable pitchers: Rays: RH Taj Bradley (2-1, 5.08); Royals: RH Michael Lorenzen (2-3, 3.90)
Broadcast: FanDuel Sports Network Sun; 95.3-FM, 620-AM, 106.7-FM (Spanish)
On Deck
Wednesday: vs. Royals, 7:05 PM, Rays: RH Drew Rasmussen (1-1, 2.10); Royals: TBA
Thursday: vs. Royals, 1:10 PM, Rays: RH Shane Baz (3-0, 2.45); Royals: RH Seth Lugo (2-3, 3.08)
Friday: at Yankees, 7:05 PM, Rays: RH Ryan Pepiot (2-3, 4.24); Yankees: TBA
Saturday: at Yankees, 1:05 PM, Rays: RH Zack Littell (1-5, 5.03); Yankees: TBA
Sunday: at Yankees, 1:35 PM, Rays: RH Taj Bradley (2-1, 5.08); Yankees: TBA
Injury Report
• OF Jonny DeLuca (10-day IL, right shoulder strain)
• RHP Alex Faedo (60-day IL, right shoulder inflammation)
• RHP Kevin Kelly (15-day IL, left gluteal strain)
• INF Ha-Seong Kim (10-day IL, right shoulder surgery recovery)
• LHP Nathan Lavender (60-day IL, left shoulder surgery recovery)
• OF Josh Lowe (10-day IL, right oblique strain)
• OF Jake Mangum (10-day IL, left groin strain)
• LHP Shane McClanahan (60-day IL, left triceps nerve-related issue)
• INF/OF Richie Palacios (10-day IL, right knee sprain)
Conclusion
The Tampa Bay Rays showcased their talent and teamwork in this recent series against the Padres. With impressive performances from newcomers and veterans alike, fans have high hopes as the season progresses. Keep an eye on Chandler Simpson and the rest of the team in the upcoming games!
FAQs
What was the final score of the last game?
The Rays won the game against the Padres with a score of 4-2.
When is the Rays’ next game?
The Rays’ next game is scheduled for Tuesday at 7:05 PM against the Royals.
Who is the Rays’ newest standout player?
Rookie outfielder Chandler Simpson has been a key player, contributing significantly since his debut.
