With the White Sox series concluding tonight, manager Kevin Cash and his team are in full preparation mode for this weekend, including Saturday’s doubleheader.
After over a century of play, there are few things in baseball that are rare. A no-hitter. A perfect game. A home run that doesn’t actually leave the field. But one that is seemingly unheard of; a scheduled doubleheader. The Rays get to take part in one this Saturday night against the Oakland A’s.
Four Games In 45 Hours Equals Lots Of Prep
For most, doubleheaders are a sign of a make-up game from a rain-out or some other circumstance. But the one coming up this weekend is only the second of its kind since the Rays became a franchise. Since 1996, there has only been one; July 16th, 2011. The ironic part is that the Oakland A’s were also involved in that one, although the home team rather than visitor.
A scheduled, single-admission doubleheader. For fans it is great; two games for the price of one. Considering it is also only the second doubleheader to be played at Tropicana Field. But from a team standpoint, planning has to start a couple days ahead.
Manager Kevin Cash let us in on some of the preparations that come with this doubleheader during his pregame press conference…
Kevin Cash on preparing for Saturday’s double header against Oakland #RaysUp pic.twitter.com/yxGofQMCHr
— The Scrum Sports (@TheScrumSports) June 8, 2017
Although it is not a definite yet, Matt Andriese should be activated for game two on Saturday, to follow up after Erasmo Ramirez throws in game one. For the Rays, this is only the 26th doubleheader in the team’s existance, going 4-12-9 all time in the previous 25.
Unfinished Business
But before they can get there, Tampa Bay still has to focus on finishing up the series tonight against Chicago. A win would make them 6-1-1 in their last eight series dating back to May 12th, but more importantly, would bring them back to .500.
For the Rays, Jake Odorizzi (3-3, 3.53) will take the mound to face veteran lefty Derek Holland (4-5, 3.43. Here’s what Cash had to say about his starter before tonight’s game…
Cash on tonight’s starter Jake Odorizzi #RaysUp pic.twitter.com/yNOg65VpWf
— The Scrum Sports (@TheScrumSports) June 8, 2017
Rays Hoping For The Long Ball
Tampa Bay is hoping their offense reverts back back the tail end of May after only scoring 12 runs in five games this month so far, and not hitting a home run in the last three. Even without one since Saturday, the Rays still rank second in the American League with 88, trailing only Houston.
Surely Evan Longoria would like to break that no-homer streak, especially since his next home run will be the 250th of his career.
Here are the starting line-ups for both squads. First pitch is at 7:10 PM.
Today’s starting line ups for #Rays vs. #WhiteSox first pitch at 7:10. @RealScottBach will be live tweeting from the Trop #RaysUp pic.twitter.com/h3uXJ6WZTn
— The Scrum Sports (@TheScrumSports) June 8, 2017
