How sweep it is; Rays continue to surge

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – When you’re winning, good teams find ways to win. At this point, the Tampa Bay Rays are clearly finding ways to win and represent the most surprising team through the early weeks of the season

With a 2-1, walk-off 10th inning win over the San Francisco Giants before 20,108 in Tropicana Field May 3, the Rays concluded their fourth sweep of the season. The dynamics of the victory showcased how and why this team continues to win at a surprising rate.

Down in this one 1-0, they tied the game in the eighth with “small ball” and that’s when Ryan Vilade dropped a bunt to score Junior Caminero from third. Then, Jonathan Aranda’s fourth hit of the game, a soft liner over the head of second baseman Luis Arraez, scored Chandler Simnpson with the game-winner with no outs in the 10^th frame.

The come-from-behind win was the ninth this season for Tampa Bay and ties for second best in the American League.

With the walk-off on May 3, the Rays had won seven straight at home and that represented the longest winning streak in Tropicana Field since the club reeled off 14 straight from March 30 to April 24, 2023.

Success for this team has generated several levels.

While good teams find ways to win and, these days, the Rays fit that criterion. Timely hitting, strong starting pitching and a reliable bullpen have all contributed to this early season success.

“We talked about this all season that we need the good hitting and good pitching” said Aranda, who contributed with his third career walk off. “This is type of team we are and how that characterizes us.”

Lost in the extra inning dynamics was the effective work of starter Steven Matz, who turned in six strong innings, allowed four hits and only a first inning run. The effort lowered his ERA to 3.86 and, for the season, and kept his record mark at 4-1.

“(Cather) Nick Fortes had a really good plan and we executed well,” Matz said afterward. “We were working fast, filling up the zone and defense had great plays behind me. Plus, everyone is excited to be here and to be around each other. We have great camaraderie in the clubhouse and this carries on the field.”

After tying the game in the eighth, the Rays opened the 10^th with Simpson, arguably the fastest runner in the game, as the ghost runner at second. Behind was Camerino and then Aranda, two of the Rays top power hitters.

After the Giants chose to walk Caminero, Aranda said he felt disrespected and responded with the game-winner.

“Feel really good to have that situation come up,” said manager Kevin Cash, “Any time Chandler is on base, and if one ball gets through, he’s scoring.”

And, that’s what happened.

Next … The home stand for Tampa Bay continues against the Toronto Blue Jays, the defending American League champions. The series at Tropicana Field is a stretch of the next 10 games against AL East opponents. That includes six with the Blue Jays (three in St. Petersburg and three in Toronto) with four in Boston.

The Jays help Tampa Bay end the current home stand with three. On Monday, May 4, look for veteran right-hander Nick Martinzez (2-1, 1.70) to face lefty Eric Lauer (1-3, 6.00). On May 5, it’s righty Drew Rasmussen (2-1, 2.64) facing righty Kevin Gausman (2-2, 3.10). In the series finale Wednesday afternoon, look for lefty Shane McClanahan (3-2, 3.10) taking on lefty Patrick Corbin (1-0, 3.65). Then, that seven game road trip. The Rays return to Tropicana Field on Friday May 15 and face the Miami Marlins.

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