Just two days ago we highlighted the Tampa Bay Rays after they started the season 6-0. After a six run second inning led them to a 9-5 victory on Friday over the Oakland Athletics, the Rays scored 11 on Saturday to improve their record to 8-0. They are just one win away from tying the 2014/2021 team with nine straight wins. This current win streak marks the best ever start for any Rays team.
There is no doubt, even in the Rays fans minds that they will lose games this season, but with as hot as they are, there is no telling when exactly that will happen.
On Saturday, lefty Jeffrey Springs had a second straight gem of a start, as he tossed seven shutout innings, allowing just three hits and striking out seven batters.
It took the Rays offense four innings to get going, as they scored two runs in the fourth on a two RBI single off the bat of Isaac Paredes.
In the fifth, they added three more runs after a Randy Arozarena two RBI single, and a bases loaded hits batsman to go up 5-0.
The Rays tacked on four in the sixth, on Manuel Margot‘s second home run of the season and Brandon Lowe‘s first, a three run shot. Then just for good measures, Arozarena launched his second home run on the season, a two run shot to put Tampa Bay up for good at 11-0.
Kevin Kelly came in relief of Springs and pitched two scoreless innings to secure the shutout victory.
In the eight game win streak, the Rays have outscored their opponents 64-18, with two shutout victories.
The Rays will look for the series sweep on Sunday as they send Drew Rasmussen to the mound looking for his second win of the season. In his first game, he tossed six shutout innings, allowing two hits, no walks and struck out seven.
Rays Stars of the Game
Brandon Lowe – 1 for 2, 4 R, HR, 3 RBIs, 3 BB
Randy Arozarena – 2 for 5, R, HR, 4 RBIs – Has an 8 game hitting streak
Manuel Margot – 1 for 3, 2 R, HR, RBI
Francisco Mejia – 2 for 2, 2 R, Double, 2 BB
Jeffrey Springs (W, 2-0) – 7 IP, 3 H, O R, 3 BB, 7 Ks
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