Under the cover of night, the Rays are hitting their stride like never before.
In Saturday’s matchup, they claimed a 4-1 win against the Padres in San Diego, marking their fourth consecutive victory—an impressive stretch fueled by solid hitting, exceptional pitching, and some jaw-dropping defensive plays.
“It was an all-around great team win,” said starter Ryan Pepiot.
With this latest win, the Rays secured back-to-back series victories against the Diamondbacks and Padres, pulling their record to an even 13-14.
Manager Kevin Cash expressed confidence in his team, stating, “We’re a talented club as well. I like the way we piece together good at-bats to score runs and support our pitchers.”
Key contributions came from Brandon Lowe (homer), Christopher Morel (double), Curtis Mead (sac fly), and Taylor Walls (walk) who all helped drive in runs.
Pepiot pitched six strong innings, allowing just one run on three hits, and Edwin Uceta, Hunter Bigge, and Pete Fairbanks managed the rest of the game efficiently.
Spectacular defensive plays highlighted the night: Kameron Misner made a sliding catch against the wall, Walls initiated a double play at second base, and Chandler Simpson robbed Manny Machado of a homer with a spectacular leaping catch!
“I saw it off the bat, knew the wall was behind me, knew he hit it pretty well,” Simpson shared in an on-field interview. “The timing was key, so being able to snag it felt great.”
The Rays jumped to a 2-0 lead in the third inning. After a one-out opposite-field homer from Lowe, who had been in a 2-for-19 slump, Junior Caminero advanced on an error, stole second, and scored on Morel’s double.
They added another run in the fifth inning, loading the bases but settling for a single run after Mead’s fly ball. The inning ended when Jose Caballero popped out.
In the ninth, the Rays loaded the bases again and managed to score when Walls showed bunt and drew a walk with two outs.
The Padres finally got on the scoreboard in the sixth inning after Tyler Wade reached third. He scored when Fernando Tatis Jr. hit a one-out single, breaking an impressive 30-inning run without a score for the Padres and a 19 1/3 inning streak for the Rays’ pitchers.
Having lost five of their six games before this trip, the Rays bounced back impressively, winning the last four games, including two against the Padres, who had a stellar 12-1 record at home prior to this.
Travis Jankowski Joins the Rays
On Saturday, veteran outfielder Travis Jankowski joined the Rays after a trade with the White Sox’s Triple-A team.
To make room, the Rays optioned Coco Montes to Triple A and shifted pitcher Shane McClanahan to the 60-day injured list, though his return from a triceps nerve issue is still set for after the May 24 eligible date.
With four outfielders on the injured list, the Rays needed an extra hand, and Cash noted that Jankowski, now in his 11th MLB season, brings valuable experience.
“He’s got a lot of experience,” Cash said. “He can offer guidance, play solid defense, steal bases, and deliver good at-bats. From what I’ve seen, he seems like a quality teammate, so I’m excited to have him on our roster.”
Historical Highlights
Kameron Misner achieved a franchise milestone by making a sliding catch and doubling a runner off first base for the final outs on Friday—marking the first time a Rays outfielder has recorded a game-ending double play assist.
Upcoming Matches
Sunday: at Padres
4:10 PM, Petco Park, San Diego
TV/Radio: FanDuel Sports Network Sun; 95.3-FM, 620-AM, 106.7-FM (Spanish)
Pitchers: Rays: RH Zack Littell (0-5, 5.28); Padres: RH Randy Vasquez (1-2, 3.97)
On Deck
Monday: Off
Tuesday: vs. Royals, 7:05 PM. Rays, RH Taj Bradley (2-1, 5.08); Royals, RH Michael Lorenzen (2-3, 3.90)
Wednesday: vs. Royals, 7:05 PM. Rays, RH Drew Rasmussen (1-1, 2.10); Royals, LH Cole Ragans (1-1, 4.40)
Thursday: vs. Royals, 1:10 PM. Rays, RH Shane Baz (3-0, 2.45); Royals, RH Seth Lugo (2-3, 3.08)
Injury Update
• OF Jonny DeLuca (10-day, right shoulder strain)
• RHP Alex Faedo (60-day, right shoulder inflammation)
• RHP Kevin Kelly (15-day, left gluteal strain)
• INF Ha-Seong Kim (10-day, recovery from right shoulder surgery)
• LHP Nathan Lavender (60-day, recovery from left shoulder surgery)
• OF Josh Lowe (10-day, right oblique strain)
• OF Jake Mangum (10-day, left groin strain)
• LHP Shane McClanahan (60-day, left triceps nerve issue)
• INF/OF Richie Palacios (10-day, right knee sprain)
Conclusion
The Rays’ recent performance demonstrates their resilience and talent. With the combined efforts of strong hitters, pitchers, and defensive players, they have turned their season around. As they prepare for upcoming challenges, fans remain hopeful for continued success.
FAQs
Q: What were the key factors in the Rays’ recent win?
A: Key contributions came from both hitting and pitching, alongside remarkable defensive plays that secured their victory.
Q: Who joined the Rays recently?
A: Veteran outfielder Travis Jankowski was acquired to enhance the team’s depth after several injuries to other outfielders.
Q: What does the schedule look like for the Rays next week?
A: They have a series against the Royals after Sunday’s game against the Padres.
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