Game 1: Takayuki Tsujimura had one of the greatest game in Rays history, tying the team single-game record for homers and RBI after slugging a trio of 3-run homers in a 13-3 rout of the Blue Jays at Publix Park. And he did it early, going deep in the 1st, 2nd and 4th innings to put things well out of reach. The 3 homers ties a club record set by many (but the first one in five years) and the 9 RBI tied the
team record set by Wander Franco on July 28, 2022. Jose Machado was also 3-5 with HR #3 while Melvin Lopez (1-1) won his first game as a Ray in two seasons by going 5.2 7 3 3 1 6.
Game 2: Things were much tighter tonight but Tampa Bay still prevailed 4-3 over Toronto thanks to a 3-run homer in the 5th from Luis Barela, the 597th of his career and 10th of the season. They also got a solo shot from Nesty de la Rosa (#7) in the first and made a winner of Brad Villarreal (7-2) who went a solid 6.1 7 3 3 2 4. Mario Berumen got all 3 outs via the strikeout for save #12.
Game 3: With Randy Mastropietro still nursing a sore forearm, Phil Weststrom got the spot start and reminded us all why he was dropped from the rotation earlier this season as Toronto clubbed him and the Rays 9-1. Weststrom (2-2) was hit for 6 runs in the first inning and although he settled in from there the damage was done as he finished 5 7 6 6 3 5. The bats were held to only 3 hits with Jesus Avalos' solo homer (#11) leading off the game the full extent of their offense.
Game 4: Tim Johnson couldn't keep the ball in the park and although they mounted a valiant comeback the Rays fell short and ended up with a series split after an 8-6 loss to the Jays. Johnson (0-3) went 6.1 5 5 5 3 7 and allowed 3 homers before Manny Cervantes came on and gave up 3 more runs. Those runs allowed by Cervantes proved critical as a Jesus Avalos slam (#12) in the 7th brought them within 8-5 and David Morales' 1st longball of the year leading off the 9th got them within two. They put two more on with two out and Avalos at the plate but he flied out to end the game.
Team record: 38-22. With the Yankees sweeping their series against Baltimore the Rays fell back into a tie for first with New York. Next up: Off to Austin for 3 against the Dukes.