After winning game 1 of the series against the Toronto Blue Jays the Rays are heading into game 2 with positive energy. Blake Snell will take the mound in only his 2nd start against the team from north of the border. The game was was August 10 and the Jays got to Snell early scoring 3 runs in the 1st and 2 more in the 2nd. He was pulled after just 1.2 innings of work. The Rays would never recover, and lose that game 7-0.
Pregame Kevin Cash was asked about Snell’s start against the Blue Jays and if he is concerned about it affecting him today. He said “I’m sure they remember him and Blake remembers what they did to him” but “if Blake goes out and pitches to his strengths, he will have a good outing”.
Cash was also asked about the absence of Steven Souza Jr from the lineup and what that is due to. Cash said “Souza will play, he is part of our club” but it’s a combination of his performance and the production they the team is getting from the guys that are out there. Cash also praised the performance of Nick Franklin and Corey Dickerson. “Getting more for different people. It’s not always the same guys”
Cash is hopeful for next season seeing how that the infield is coming together, bats are heating up, and Alex Cobb is back. “Cobb is a guy that’s going to come in and have a major impact on your rotation once every 5 days” Cash said they are using this time to see some guys play, get ready for the off season and spring training.
Rays Lineup:
- Forsythe 2B
- Kiermaier CF
- Longoria 3B
- Miller 1B
- Duffy SS
- Morrison DH
- Franklin RF
- Dickerson LF
- Wilson C
Blue Jays Lineup:
- Bautista RF
- Donaldson 3B
- Encarnacion 1B
- Martin DH
- Tulowitzki SS
- Upton Jr. LF
- Navarro C
- Pilar CF
- Travis 2B
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