Rays manage to split the four-game series with the Angels behind stellar pitching and timely hitting.
After dropping the first two games of the series with the Los Angeles Angels on Monday and Tuesday, Tampa Bay sent Matt Andriese to the mound on Thursday afternoon. Having gone at least five innings in each of his last eight starts, Andriese entered the day with the best starter’s ERA (3.75) on the team. Just barely ahead of Chris Archer and his 3.76 ERA.
Andriese Goes 5+ for Ninth Straight Start
If you look at the Rays starting rotation through 50 games this season it’s hard to say that anyone has been more reliable than Andriese. He continued to shine on Thursday afternoon.
The right-hander threw eight innings of shutout-ball. He scattered six hits while walking two and striking out five – stranding seven base runners on the day.
Andriese lowered his already team-leading ERA to 3.24. He picked up his fifth win of the season, also a team-high.
Souza Jr Guns Down Mike Trout
Mike Trout picked up the game’s first hit when he doubled down the left field line in the first inning. After Luis Valbuena flied out to left, Andrelton Simmons singled to right fielder Steven Souza Jr.
Here’s what happen when Trout attempted to score from second base.
You Souz, you lose. pic.twitter.com/1SYbfMf291
— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) May 25, 2017
Rasmus Knocks in 4
The Angels did not have an answer for Colby Rasmus. The Rays designated-hitter went 2-for-4 on the day and drove in all four of the Rays’ runs. When asked about his early struggles and today’s breakout, Rasmus attributed any of his struggles to good scouting reports and smart pitching.
“They’re not gonna make no mistakes to me. They know who I am. I’ve been around long enough, and there’s a good enough report on me, where not to throw the ball.”
In the bottom of the first, Rasmus singled off Angels starter Daniel Wright, driving home Corey Dickerson and Evan Longoria. In the fifth inning he came up with the bases loaded and two outs. This time it was more than just a single that gave the Rays their third and fourth runs of the game. His deep drive to left-center was originally ruled a triple, clearing the bases. However, upon review it was clear that the ball had bounce off the warning track and over the wall before entering back into the field of play. Dickerson and Longoria both scored again, while Souza Jr was forced to return to third.
Noteworthy:
Tommy Hunter returned from the 10-day DL and pitched a scoreless ninth inning.
Souza Jr reached base four times today. He has been on base in six of his last seven plate-appearances.
Angels center fielder Cameron Maybin left the game with right knee soreness. After the game Maybin said he hopes to play tomorrow in Miami. As for his knee, Maybin said, “It’s a little sore. Running around on this turf for the last few days.”
Up Next
The Rays head to Minnesota to battle the AL Central-leading Twins.
RHP Chris Archer (3-3; 3.76) gets the call on Friday against LHP Hector Santiago (4-2; 3.96)
