TAMPA — The Rays made a splash before their game even started on Saturday!
Roughly 40 minutes before the game against the Brewers was set to kick off at 4:10 p.m., the team announced a weather delay.
To mark this milestone event for a Rays home game, fans were greeted with a message on the Steinbrenner Field scoreboard: Free ponchos for everyone to celebrate the team’s first official weather delay!
Interestingly, it turned out to be more of a precaution since there was no rain or strong winds at the stadium, even though storms were nearby. Still, it was an unforgettable moment in team history.
In their 27 seasons at Tropicana Field, the Rays had never experienced an official weather delay—aside from the occasions when storms caused the lights to go out or games were rescheduled due to hurricanes. The same goes for their past series at Disney in 2007 and 2008.
The grounds crew, with only two members experienced in dealing with tarps, was prepared. They rolled out the tarp at around 3:10 PM, then quickly stowed it away, seemingly rehearsing for the real deal.
As the game time approached, the crew had the tarp ready but decided to roll it back up at 3:50 PM. The game eventually began at 4:37 PM, following a 27-minute delay.
Rasmussen Ready to Pitch
Drew Rasmussen is super pumped for his start on Sunday.
It’s Mother’s Day, and he’s ready to pay tribute to all the great mothers in his life, including his own mom, his mother-in-law, and his wife, Stevie, who’s the mom of their 2.5-year-old son.
“It’s really cool. It’s a fun opportunity,” Rasmussen shared. “I’m surrounded by so many amazing mothers, and it’s really special to pitch on a day dedicated to them.”
On the professional side, he’s keen to face the Brewers, the same team that gave him his start in pro baseball before trading him to the Rays in May 2021.
Even though most of his former Brewers teammates have moved on, he’s excited to compete against a familiar franchise.
“I’m grateful for the Brewers; it’s a great organization full of exceptional people. I have fond memories of my time there,” he said. “It will be fun to go up against them.”
Most importantly, this game gives Rasmussen an opportunity to get back on track. After an impressive start to the season (1-1, 0.87 ERA), his last three outings haven’t gone as smoothly (0-2, 6.28 ERA).
“It’s all about execution,” he explained. “If you can throw the right pitch in the right spot, you’ll find success.”
He admitted that missed pitches led to several home runs against him. “It’s been a tough stretch,” he added.
Quick Hits
In Friday’s eighth inning, Rays infielder Taylor Walls walked to drive in the go-ahead run—the ninth time he faced bases loaded this season, tying him for second place in the majors! Behind him are Elly De La Cruz (Reds) and Brandon Nimmo (Mets), while ex-Ray Randy Arozarena leads with 12.
Intriguingly, the Rays managed to win on Friday despite going 0-for-11 with runners in scoring position, a rare feat in the franchise’s history.
Also, Bucs linebacker Yaya Diaby threw the first pitch on Saturday, adding to the excitement!
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Conclusion
The Rays hit a milestone with their first weather delay, creating buzz among fans while Drew Rasmussen looks to make an impact on Mother’s Day. It’s clear that both on and off the field, the team is generating excitement this season!
FAQs
What are the Rays’ plans for future weather-related events?
The organization is prepared for any weather challenges in future games to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for fans.
How did Drew Rasmussen perform this season?
Rasmussen started strong but has faced challenges recently, and he is focused on improving his performance moving forward.
Are there any upcoming promotional events at the Rays’ games?
Yes, keep an eye on the schedule for special theme nights and giveaways throughout the season!
