Game 1: The Rays took an 8-3 win in the first of two at Publix Park against the Brewers. Josh Beckett's 3-run HR (#6) put them ahead to stay 4-3 in the 4th and he was supported by Seth Williams (who else?) who was 3-4 with a HR (#13) and 2 RBI to up his average to a cool .400 as well as Mike Willis who was 2-5 with 2 RBI and extended his hitting streak to 20. Vinny Willard started but scuffled and didn't last the 4th, going 3.2 3 3 3 5 4 with uncharacteristic wildness. Chris Williams took over and went 1 2/3 scoreless for his 2nd win.
Game 2: The bats and the bullpen let them down today in a 5-2 loss to the Brewers. The Rays had 13 baserunners but could only get two of them home and then Ken Burgess and Billy Haroutunian combined to allow 4 runs in the late innings, including homers to former Rays Jeff Hayes and Marco Recinos (the latter a minor leaguer sent to Milwaukee in the Dan Gregory deal with Daniel Malone). Brad Jackson had a fine start (6 6 1 1 3 5) but received no help. At least Mike Willis extended his hit streak to 21 and Seth Williams had two more hits to up his average to .402.
Team record: 47-14. Next up: We start a road trip with 3 in Minnesota where we'll catch up with old friend Pat Moyer.
No shock from the league office here:
