Written by Nick Porcelli — Fan Stream Sports
After two straight road series, the Tampa Bay Rays returned home to Tropicana Field on Tuesday to take on the Minnesota Twins for the first in a three-game series. And the Rays started the series with a bang, shutting out the Twins for a 7-0 win.
The Rays creating a shutout would in hindsight mean that Randy Arozarena’s RBI single in the bottom of the 4th would be the only scoring they would need to win. But as the score shows, it was not the only scoring the Rays would do. The RBI single would be the first of the three runs scored in the 4th and the Rays would go on to have two separate two-run innings in the 5th and 7th.
Some of the more notable performances from the Rays’ strong offensive performance came from Jose Siri, whose lone it was an incredible 457-foot home run, and Luke Raley, who went two-for-three at the plate with a triple and home run and half two RBIs.
But while the offense had a great game, you can’t shut out your opponent if your defense doesn’t play well. And the Rays’ defense, their pitchers in particular, is what led the way. The Rays pitching staff, which in this game consisted of Zach Eflin, Jalen Beeks and Jake Diekman, gave up a combined total of four hits and two walks while striking out 12 batters.
What’s Next?
Game 2 of this Rays-Twins series will be tomorrow at 6:40 p.m.
Pablo López will be the Twins’ starting pitcher while it is expected, according to ESPN, that Cooper Criswell will be the Rays’ starter.
Rays’ Best Player of the Game
Zach Eflin
It’s hard to outshine a performance like the one Rally had in the game, but the Rays starter Eflin did just that. He threw for 6.2 innings and only gave up three hits and one walk while striking out nine batters. He also earned the win to move to 8-1 on the season. His teammate Shane McClanahan is the only pitcher who has more wins this season (nine).
Rays’ Best Play of the Game
Jose Siri’s monster home run!