The Rays came home for a test of seven games in just six days. It was a long week, but Tampa Bay prevailed and took series wins from Chicago and Oakland.
Talk about a long week for the Rays. Sure, Tuesday through Thursday was a normal three-game series. But then they had four games in just three days. 47 hours to be more precise.
After going 5-1-1 in their last seven series, the Rays were struggling to stay at or above .500. After going 5-2 this week, they sit just two games over .500 and have jumped Baltimore for third place in the competitive American League East.
White Sox
After a sweep in Seattle, and a much needed day of rest to recuperate from the cross-country trip, the Rays played host to the Chicago White Sox.
Rays Up-
An impressive major league debut on Wednesday by Jacob Faria. The rookie was brought up from Durham and went 6.1 innings only allowing one run on three hits.
This guy is Fareal.
(sorry) pic.twitter.com/HIDGPRhwIj
— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) June 8, 2017
After going homer-less for three games, the bats came out on Thursday and four balls became souvenirs, including two off the bat of catcher Derek Norris. Peter Bourjos added one in his return from the disabled list, as well as Colby Rasmus when he was put in late in the game.
Rays Down-
Tuesday’s loss was the fourth straight, tying a season-worst streak.
Even though they pulled out a win Thursday, the Rays suffered a huge loss when Kevin Kiermaier took an awkward slide into first during the fifth inning. Kiermaier was pulled and replaced by Rasmus. A evaluation Friday showed Kiermaier had a hairline fracture in his right hip, and is out for at least two months.
The Rays took 2-of-3 from the ChiSox, redeeming themselves from the crushing weekend against the Mariners.
Athletics
For the weekend, the Rays welcomed one of the oldest teams in baseball, the Oakland A’s. In September, players from both squads voted for and approved the first scheduled single-admission doubleheader played since 2011. Ironically, the A’s were the home team for that one. For the Rays, it was history, being only the second doubleheader of its kind since the teams inception.
Rays Up-
The Rays scored a season high 13 runs on Friday, with the assistance of five home runs. Corey Dickerson, Steven Souza Jr., Tim Beckham, Logan Morrison, and fresh call-up Mallex Smith all went yard in the victory.
Saturday’s game one saw Evan Longoria hit his eighth walk-off hit, in the tenth inning, extended his own franchise record. As if that wasn’t enough for one day, Longoria also hit a home run in game two for his 250th career shot.
Here’s to many more, @Evan3Longoria. pic.twitter.com/asfT6ZBZ43
— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) June 11, 2017
Smith, who was called up to replace Kiermaier, went 8-for-14 in the series, scoring six times and stealing four bases. He was named Player Of The Series before Sunday’s finale, where he just so happened to score the winning run.
Rays Down-
Matt Andriese was activated for game two on of Saturday’s doubleheader after 10-days recovering from a strained groin. Unfortunately, he only made it through one inning and 21 pitches before aggravating the injury, forcing the bullpen to pick up the workload.
Alex Colome had his third blown save of the season Saturday in game one, even though the Rays pulled out a win in extras. On Sunday, Colome almost blew the lead again, loading the bases with only one out in the ninth with the Rays up 5-4. He managed to escape, but the inning had fans holding their breath.
The Rays took 3-of-4 from Oakland, moving them to 7-1-1 in their last nine series after dropping 3-of-4 to Kansas City mid-May.
Up Next
Hitting the road with a win!#RaysWin! pic.twitter.com/GTSuQbVAXU
— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) June 11, 2017
The Rays get a day off of Monday while they travel to the great white north for two against the fifth place Blue Jays. After that they take on the Tigers for four games in Detroit.
