The 2020 (and beyond) Tampa Bay Rays - Page 120

Art Deco · 03-27-2023, 09:52 AM

Game 1: They waited until the 8th to break it open but the Rays took a comfortable 8-3 win over the Twins in the end to make it three straight wins after a miserable 1-7 start. Dantel Chinchilla doubled a drove in a pair while Juan Viatoro was 3-5 with a pair of doubles and an RBI to lead the way. Dave Rose couldn't get the last out he needed for the win, going 4.2 5 3 2 4 4 on 95 pitches and leaving the bases loaded for Steve Kay (1-0), who got him out of it and got the win. Chris Hetzel threw 3 innings of 1-hit relief for his first save.

Game 2: Juan Davila's 4th homer of the year, a solo shot in the 9th, broke a 2-2 tie and gave the Rays their fourth consecutive win 3-2. Davila had earlier doubled in a run and Juan Viatoro's RBI single tied it at 2 in the 7th. Rex Bransington had a good start at 5.1 6 2 2 0 6, Willie Navarro (2-1) picked up the win, and Steve Talbott earned save #2.

Game 3: Luis Barela to the rescue as the Rays completed the sweep, beating Minnesota 10-9 in 11 innings after blowing an 8-1 lead. Juan Davila was 3-5 with HR #5 and 2 RBI and Barela had a 2-run homer to build that 8-1 lead. Chad Winger gave a couple back and finished 5 6 3 3 4 5 but the bullpen lost it over the next four innings with Steve Ravin the biggest culprit, allowing the tying 3 runs. But Barela stepped up in the 11th and went yard again with a man on for his 4th homer. Steve Talbott (1-0) had pitched the 10th and got the win, staying on for the 11th and giving up an unearned run of his own.

Team record: 6-7. The Yankees finally lost a game but are still 12-1. Next up: A day off then 3 more road games in Baltimore.

Art Deco · 03-28-2023, 10:17 AM

Game 1: The bullpen blew another late lead but the offense picked them up as the Rays made it 6 straight wins and got back to .500 with an 8-6 win at Oriole Park. Alex Duran's sac fly and Juan Viatoro's RBI single against his old team broke a 6-6 tie in the 9th, allowing Kevin Leonard (1-0) to vulture a win after losing a 6-5 lead in the 8th. Steve Kay picked up his first Rays save in the 9th. Earlier they got a mediocre start from Steve Morris (6 7 5 5 0 2, 3 HR) and a grand slam from Beau Bonczek (#2).

Game 2: The Rays broke open a game they led 3-1 with 8 runs in the 6th and went on to a 13-5 rout of the Orioles to run their win streak to 7. Alex Duran had a massive game, going 4-6 with a double, 2 homers (#2 & 3) and 4 RBI, Juan Viatoro was 4-5 with two doubles and a 2-run homer (#3), and Dantel Chinchilla had a big 2-run double in that 6th. That was more than enough for Jimmy Bernal to record his first win as a Ray after going 5.1 4 2 1 5 1.

Game 3: Tampa Bay completed the sweep and made it 8 straight wins as Dave Rose pitched well and they took a 6-1 victory in Baltimore. Rose (1-1) went 6 7 1 1 2 7 and looked more like the ace we thought he was after three rough outings to start the season. Juan Davila was 4-4 with an RBI triple, David Morales had a 2-run single and Jon McGovern was on base three times and scored three runs to lead the offense.

Team record: 9-7. The Yankees are ridiculous, sweeping the Jays and going to 15-1. Still a lot of season to go however. Next up: Our seemingly never-ending road run to start the year concludes with 3 in Cleveland.

Also old friend Greg Bookhart is not off to a good start with Boston - after getting hit hard in his debut start he's now out with a herniated disc.

Art Deco · 03-29-2023, 10:36 AM

Game 1: The Rays have gone from the team that couldn't win to the team that can't lose as they made it 9 straight wins with a 13-6 rout of Cleveland at Progressive Field. Although his only hit of the game was an RBI single in the 9th with the game well in hand, that hit was the 2000th of Luis Barela's illustrious career and he got a brief ovation from what was left of the Cleveland crowd. Otherwise it was the biggest game yet of David Morales' young career as the rookie catcher drove in 5 including a pair of 2-run doubles and fellow rookie Jon McGovern was 3-5 with 2 doubles and 2 RBI. Rex Brasington (2-1) shut the Guardians down except for a 3-run homer and finished 6 4 3 2 0 6 for the win.

Game 2: The win streak reached double digits as the Rays nosed out the Guardians 3-2 with Juan Davila's 6th homer in the 7th breaking a 2-2 tie. Chad Winger was decent but couldn't finish the 5th, going 4.2 6 2 2 1 3 and the win went to Mike Bertram (1-0) who got Winger out of his jam and went 2 1/3 scoreless. Steve Talbott had a 1-2-3 9th for save #3.

Game 3: The Rays completed the sweep and won their 11th straight game after starting the year 1-7 thanks to Juan Davila once again as they needed every one of the star 2B's five hits on the night, including a solo homer (#7) in the 7th to tie it and an RBI single in the 9th to win it 3-2 again. Steve Morris had a solid start (6 5 2 2 3 2), Willie Navarro (3-1) got the win in relief and Steve Talbott saved again, his 4th.

Team record: 12-7. So did they gain any ground on the Yankees with the sweep? LOL no. Not only did the Yankees not lose, they won a fourth game on our day off after the series to go to 19-1 and gain 1/2 a game, now up 6 1/2. Look out 1984 Tigers. Next up: After that off-day we're back home for 3 against Baltimore, losers of 9 straight including a series to us last weekend and those four games the Yankees just won.

Art Deco · 03-30-2023, 03:15 PM

Game 1: It was a rare low-scoring game at Publix Park as the Rays made it 12 wins in a row after downing the Orioles 4-2. Juan Viatoro's 2-run homer in the 4th (#4) put Tampa Bay ahead to stay, although Jimmy Bernal couldn't quite get through 5 to qualify for the win, going 4.2 5 2 2 03. Instead Steve Kay (2-0) earned it and Steve Talbott picked up save #5.

Game 2: Today was more like Publix Park as the teams played quite the rollercoaster game that saw the Rays nearly lose a 13-1 lead before hanging on to prevail 16-12. Juan Davila had a pair of homers to give him 9 and drove in 4, and Alex Duran (#4) and Dantel Chinchilla (#2) had 3-run homers to build that huge lead but Baltimore scored 11 times (!) in the 7th off Steve Ravin and Mel Mejia to cut it to 13-12. Jon Morales then picked a good time for his 1st homer of the year, a 2-run shot, and Beau Bonczek added #3 to give them some breathing room. Dave Rose (2-1) had by far his best start of the year at 6 2 1 1 0 9 as it was after he left all hell broke loose.

Game 3: More high drama as the Rays completed the sweep and extended the winning streak to 14 with a walk-off come-from-behind 8-7 win. They trailed 7-1 going into the bottom of the 8th when they scored 3 in the inning including Dantel Chinchilla's 2-run shot (#3) and then with the score 7-4 in the bottom of the 9th Jon Morales doubled in a run and then Luis Barela sent everyone except the Orioles home happy with a 3-run blast (#5). Barela made a winner of Willie Navarro (4-1) and saved Rex Bransington from a loss after a rough 4 7 5 5 0 5 outing. Morales earlier hit his 2nd homer of the year and second in as many days and was 4-5 with 2 stolen bases to go with the homer & 2 RBI.

Team record: 15-7. Did the Yankees lose? What do you think? The only thing that kept them from winning Sunday was a rainout so the Rays did pick up 1/2 game in the standings to move within 6. Next up: Boston visits for 3 games.

Art Deco · 03-31-2023, 04:45 PM

Game 1: There's no stopping the Rays right now but they'll probably end up 155-7 while the Yankees go 161-1 (that of course can't happen since they have games against each other to play). Tampa Bay made it 15 straight with a 9-5 win over the Red Sox in their series opener. Boston pitching couldn't get Beau Bonczek out as he walked 3 times and drilled a 2-run homer (#4) in the 2nd that got the scoring started as the Rays built a 9-1 lead. Ruben Ramirez went yard for the first time this year, a 2-run shot and Jon McGovern was 2-4 with 2 RBI. Chad Winger (1-1) was excellent against his former team, getting his first Rays win after going 6 5 1 1 0 5 before the pen got banged around a bit.

April 25: Placed 1B Juan Viatoro on the 10-day IL with a strained back, recalled 1B Nesty de la Rosa from AAA Durham.

Viatoro suffered the injury late in yesterday's game and ready to make his MLB debut is de la Rosa, our first-round pick in 2046 who's a pure hitter (75 contact, 75 gap, 75 avoid Ks) with moderate power (50). He's a lefty and does have a decent platoon split.

Game 2: It's now 16 consecutive wins for the Rays as they routed the Red Sox 8-2. Luis Barela homered twice and drove in 4, reaching the 450 career homer mark (by the way he became the club's all-time HR leader last year, passing Danny Ayala who had 314, he now has 327). They also got homers from Juan Davila (#10), Jon Morales (#3) and Alex Duran (#5). Steve Morris (2-1) was very good at 6.1 7 2 2 0 3 for the win.

Game 3: Make it 17 in a row for Tampa Bay as they handled Boston 4-1. Beau Bonczek had a pair of solo homers to give him 6 and Nesty de la Rosa had 3 hits including a double in first MLB start. Jimmy Bernal (2-0) was quite good at 6 6 1 1 1 3 and sports a 2.49 ERA despite a pedestrian 8/8 BB/K ratio in 25 IP. Steve Talbott saved for the 6th time. In case you're wondering about streak records, those who have followed this dynasty since the early days might recall the 2022 squad won 25 straight, setting the AL record and falling one short of tying the MLB record.

Team record: 18-7. Well it finally happened. Yes, the Yankees lost a game. Mind you it was only one game out of three in Oakland but enough to allow the Rays to close the division gap to 5 games. Baby steps. Next up: We'll put the 17-game win streak on the line in Detroit where they AL Central-leading Tigers await. That's not as daunting as it sounds though as Detroit is atop their division despite a 13-13 record.

Art Deco · 03-31-2023, 05:20 PM

In the previous post I mentioned Luis Barela taking over the all-time franchise lead in homers which got me thinking given that we've played 31+ seasons in this dynasty it's time to take a look at the all-time leaders.

Man, Jaiden Hardaway was something else:

Art Deco · 04-01-2023, 07:10 PM

Game 1: Make it 18 straight wins for the Rays as they handled the Tigers 9-4 in the opener at Comerica Park. Tampa Bay trailed 3-2 going into the 4th before erupting for 6 runs highlighted by a 3-run Juan Davila homer (#11) and a 2-run Jon McGovern single. Luis Barela also contributed a 2-run homer (#8) and Ruben Ramirez went solo (#2). Dave Rose was very good, improving to 3-1 after a 7 5 4 1 2 7 outing.

Game 2: And it's 19 in a row thanks to a 5-3 victory over Detroit. Rex Bransington (3-1) was quite good at 5 3 1 1 2 4 and Steve Talbott picked up save #7 despite allowing a solo homer in the 9th. Juan Davila's insane start to the season continued with his 12th homer, Jon Morales hit his 4th and Dantel Chinchilla had a pair of RBI singles.

Game 3: Ruben Ramirez to the rescue as his 3-run pinch-homer (#3) in the 7th inning gave the Rays a 3-1 win and increased the winning streak to an amazing 20. Chad Winger pitched his best game as a Ray at 6 3 1 1 1 7 but had nothing to show for it until Ramirez came through and enabled him to improve to 2-1. Steve Kay finished for his second save.

Team record: 21-7. The Yankees did lose a game and are now 24-3, so their division lead is down to 4 games. And for once we finally get to do something about it as perhaps the biggest series ever in May gets underway tomorrow at Publix Park when New York comes to town. There's never been a matchup like this before at this point of the season:

Art Deco · 04-02-2023, 06:33 PM

Game 1: The eyes of the baseball world were upon Publix Park as the 25-3 Yankees faced off against the 21-7 Rays who are on a 20-game win streak as the 3-game clash of titans began. And the Rays made it 21 wins in a row after comprehensively handling the Yankees 7-3. Dantel Chinchilla hit a couple of solo homers (#4 & 5), Alex Duran was 3-4 with a double and 2 RBI, and Jon Morales 2-4 with a double and 2 RBI to pace the offense while Steve Morris (3-1) turned in his best start of the year against his former club going 7 6 2 2 0 4 as the Rays pulled within 3 games of New York.

Game 2: They did it again as the Rays romped 7-1 over the Yankees for their 22nd straight victory. The longball carried them today as solo homers by Luis Barela (#9) and Beau Bonczek (#7) in the 4th opened the scoring and Jon Morales added a 3-run blast (#5) in the 5th to break it open. Once again the Tampa Bay pitching was outstanding as Jimmy Bernal (3-0), who came into the game with only 8 whiffs in 30 IP, went 5 3 1 1 3 5 and the bullpen shut it down from there as the Yankees' once 7-game lead has dwindled to 2.

Game 3: The finale featured the best pitching matchup of the series as New York sent big free agent signing and former Mets ace Dave Glass against our own Dave Rose. And it was scoreless into the bottom of the 6th when Jon McGovern struck out with 2 out but reached on a passed ball, stole second and scored on Juan Davila's RBI single. That opened the floodgates and Jon Morales blasted a 2-run homer (#6) and Luis Barela went back-to-back with him for #10, making it 4-0 and despite some shaky relief pitching in the 9th the Rays held on to a 4-2 win, kept their incredible win streak alive at 23, swept the Yankees and pulled to within 1 game of the division lead. Rose meanwhile did work at 6 4 0 0 1 6 to improve to 4-1 and it was 4-0 into the 9th before Steves Kay and Talbott combined to allow 2 runs on 4 hits although Talbott hung for his 8th save.

Team record: 24-7 (winning all day, every day). History is in sight with both the team and AL-record streak set in 2022 of 25 in sight as well as the MLB record of 26 set by the 1916 Giants. They'll have to sweep the next series at home against Toronto to get there after taking a day off.

Art Deco · 04-03-2023, 10:11 PM

Game 1: The Rays nearly lost their 23-game win streak in the opener at Publix Park but a couple of clutch homers kept it alive as they made it 24 straight after taking Toronto 5-4 in 10 innings at Publix Park. Rex Bransington pitched well (4.2 3 0 0 0 6) and they led 3-1 going into the 8th with a Danny Morales 2-run single the big hit. Enter the perpetually shaky closer Steve Talbott, who gave up a 3-run homer in the 9th to put Toronto ahead 4-3, only his 2nd blown save of the year although it seems like more. But Beau Bonczek led off the 9th with HR #8 to tie it up and in the 10th Juan Davila walked it off with his third hit of the day and his 13th homer of the season to set off a party atmosphere in Tampa. Steve Kay (3-0) pitched the 10th for the win as the Rays move within one win of tying their own AL record and two from tying the MLB mark.

Game 2: History in the making as the Rays rolled to a 7-1 win over Toronto to equal the team and AL record of 25 consecutive wins. Chad Winger (3-1) was brilliant, taking a shutout into the 9th before giving up a leadoff homer and finishing 8 7 1 1 1 5. Ruben Ramirez was the hitting hero, going 3-3 with a solo homer (#4) in the 2nd to commence the scoring and an RBI double in the 2nd to make it 3-0. Luis Barela later added HR #11.

Game 3: Move over, 1916 Giants - your 135-year-old MLB record of 26 straight wins has been equaled:

It looked like it'd come easy but in the end it didn't as the bullpen nearly squandered an 8-2 lead after 7 innings. Kevin Leonard gave up a 3-run homer in the 8th and then it was time for more Steve Talbott-induced agita as he put two men on in the 9th and brought the tying run to the plate to bring back memories of Friday night before getting a whiff to put the Rays in the record books.

Team record: 27-7. We'll be going for the MLB record at a ballpark that existed when the 1916 Giants set it: Fenway, as we play a 3-game set there. Jimmy Bernal will get the ball for the potential historic game. But did we gain any ground on New York? Nope, the Yankees swept their weekend series as well, resuming non-stop winning after not playing us any longer so they still hold a 1-game division lead.

Art Deco · 04-04-2023, 06:46 PM

Game 1: HISTORY IS MADE!

They did it! The Rays beat Boston to win their 27th straight game, breaking the MLB record set 135 years ago by the New York Giants. Perhaps even more amazing is this is a team that started off 1-7 and hasn't lost since. It looked like it would be a romp when they went up 8-2 in the 5th inning but starter Jimmy Bernal and reliever Mel Mejia couldn't hold the lead and Boston forced extra innings. And it was a rookie who was the hero as Jon McGovern, who earlier in the game hit his first MLB homer, delivered a 2-run single for the winning runs. And of course Steve Talbott had to make it interesting, putting two on with two out in the bottom of the 10th leaving Steve Kay to come in and close the door, preserving history.

Game 2: After spending a month putting together the longest win streak in MLB history, the Rays could be forgiven for having a letdown. And it sure looked that way when Boston took leads of 6-1 and 9-5. But this Tampa Bay team doesn't know when to quit and they came back with a 7-run 7th inning to take a 12-10 victory and extend their record win streak to 28. That 7-run inning came courtesy of two big hits: first Dantel Chinchilla's bases-clearing double and then after the bases were re-loaded, Jon Morales' grand slam (#7). Dave Rose had a rough start (4 5 3 3 5 4) and the bullpen was even rougher before Steve Ravin (1-0) settled things down with a couple of scoreless innings and Willie Navarro went the final 1 2/3 for his first save despite allowing a run.

Game 3: The Rays were up against an old friend in Tampa Bay career win leader Greg Bookhart but he would not be the one to stop their streak as a 7-4 triumph meant it was 29 wins on the trot as the English would say. Bookhart left a 3-3 game after 5 before Luis Barela drilled a solo homer in the 6th (#13) to put the Rays ahead to stay as he was 3-5 with 2 RBI on the day. Also having another big game was Jon McGovern, who doubled and tripled among his 3 hits and drove in a pair as well. Rex Bransington couldn't hold an early 3-1 lead and finished 4 5 3 3 3 8, Mel Mejia (1-0) got the win pitching the 5th, and Steve Talbott managed a 2-inning save, his 10th.

Game 4: All good things, as they say, and the Rays' MLB-record win streak was halted before it could reach 30 as Boston blanked them 6-0. Red Sox pitching turned the Tampa Bay bats to sawdust today permitting only a pair of singles and although Chad Winger (3-2) pitched well at 5.1 4 2 2 2 7 before the pen let it get out of hand, it wasn't going to be enough.

Team record: 30-8. The Yankees did lose a game in all this and the teams were tied in first for a couple of days, but the loss in the finale while New York was idle dropped the Rays 1/2 game back. No worry though as they'll have an immediate chance to do something about it as the Yankees visit Publix Park again for 3 games.

Art Deco · 04-05-2023, 09:24 PM

Game 1: For the first time all season the Rays moved into sole possession of first place after handing the Yankees a 6-3 loss in the series opener at Publix Park. New York took an early 2-1 lead but in the 3rd inning after the Rays tied it up Alex Duran blasted a 3-run homer (#6) to send them on their way. Steve Morris (5-1) wasn't dominating but did enough to win at 5.1 7 3 2 2 1 and Steve Talbott had a rare 1-2-3 9th for save #11.

May 13: Activated 1B Juan Viatoro from the 10-day IL, optioned 1B Nesty de la Rosa to AAA Durham.

de la Rosa looked like he could hit at the MLB level in his brief stint with the big club and will be back.

Game 2: Tampa Bay put a little more daylight between themselves and the Yankees by beating them again 5-2. Like yesterday the Rays overcame a 2-1 Yankee lead but unlike yesterday it all happened much later in the game as they tied it in the 7th on Dantel Chinchilla's RBI double and then scored 3 times in the 8th with Alex Duran once again breaking the deadlock with a homer (#7) and Beau Bonczek adding a 2-run double for insurance. Jimmy Bernal was excellent in a no-decision at 6 5 1 0 2 5, Mel Mejia (2-1) got the win, and Steve Talbott did his job in the 9th again for his 12th save.

May 14: Placed P Kevin Leonard on the 10-day IL with back spasms, claimed P Billy Haroutunian on waivers.

Leonard's injury probably didn't warrant an IL stay but it enables us to add Haroutunian without having to waive someone like Steve Ravin for now. The 37-year-old righty joins the Rays for a second time, having pitched for us 10 years ago, and still has 65 stuff.

Game 3: The Rays tasted defeat for only the 2nd time in their last 33 games as the Yankees beat on the bullpen for a 6-1 win. Dave Rose had a good start at 5.1 5 1 1 1 7 and the teams were deadlocked at 1 with the Rays' run coming on a solo Juan Viatoro homer (#5). But Billy Haroutunian (0-1) was terrible in his return to the Rays, giving up 3 runs on 4 hits in the 7th and Chris Hetzel allowed another pair to put the game out of reach. They still remain 1/2 ahead of the Yankees though after taking the series.

Team record: 32-9. Next up: Off to Seattle for 3 games.

Art Deco · 04-06-2023, 07:51 PM

Game 1: The Rays turned a 5-2 deficit into an 8-5 win with a 5-run 7th inning to take the opener over the Mariners at T-Mobile Park. Juan Davila had the big hit, a 2-run double in that 7th and then followed it up with a solo homer (#15) in the 8th for insurance. Luis Barela had a 2-run double in the 1st and Juan Viatoro had 3 hits as Mike Bertram (2-0) picked up the win in relief with Steve Talbott finally getting into a groove with save #13. Rex Bransington was 4 6 4 4 0 7 in a mixed bag of a start.

Game 2: Tampa Bay couldn't get much going offense and suffered a rare defeat of late, falling 6-2 to Seattle. Jon McGovern led off the game with his 2nd homer and Alex Duran (#8) had a solo consolation shot late but that was it for the bats. Chad Winger (3-3) was 4.2 4 4 4 3 6 and Billy Haroutunian had his second terrible relief outing in as many appearances since being claimed on waivers.

Game 3: Similar to the opener the Rays were looking at defeat trailing 3-2 after 6 before exploding for a whopping 10 runs in the 7th to take a 13-7 win and the series from the Mariners. Ismael Morales came off the bench to deliver a pinch 2-run double to put the Rays on top in the 7th and Beau Bonczek capped the inning with a grand slam (#10). Luis Barela drove in 3 including a 2-run first-inning homer (#14) and Juan Davila drove in a pair as well. Steve Morris was 5 5 2 2 0 4 and missed out on the win by an inning with it going instead to Chris Hetzel (1-1). Steve Kay gave up a grand slam in the 9th with Joe Roberts' runners aboard to make the final score a little uglier.

Team record: 34-10. Amazingly the Yankees were swept in Houston so the Rays now hold a 2 1/2-game lead after trailing by 6 games through the first 7 games of the season. Next up: The Rays will try to do what New York couldn't, win a game in Houston as they're heading there for 3.

Art Deco · 04-08-2023, 02:32 PM

Game 1: The Rays opened up an early 5-0 lead and had to hang on to a 7-5 win over Houston at Minute Maid Park. Jon Morales had a big game, going 4-5 with a 2-run homer (#8), Beau Bonczek was on base 4 times including a solo homer (#13) and 2 RBI total and Ruben Ramirez knocked in a pair. Jimmy Bernal (4-0) couldn't quite handle the big lead but still won after going 5 8 3 3 1 3 and Steve Talbott gave us the usual adventure in the 9th by putting on a couple but still secured save #14.

Game 2: Tampa Bay turned around a 4-1 deficit in with a 6-run 4th and went on to rout Houston 10-4. Luis Barela swung the big bat today with a pair of homers (#15 & 16) as part of a 3-hit, 4-RBI day while Juan Viatoro and Dantel Chinchilla each had 3 hits and 2 RBI. Dave Rose (5-1) had his struggles but still won a 5.2 9 4 4 3 7 outing.

Game 3: Jon Morales hit a 3-run homer in the first inning (#9) but that was as good as it got for the Rays as they eventually lost 5-4 to Houston in the finale. Rex Bransington was decent at 5 5 2 2 0 5 but Chris Hetzel allowed 2 in the 6th to put Houston ahead. Jon McGovern tripled in a run in the 7th to tie it, but Steve Kay (3-1) gave up the winning homer to Doug Johns in the bottom of the inning.

Team record: 36-11. The Yankees are in free-fall after being swept by Austin so the Rays' division lead has grown to 4 1/2 games as the rapid realignment of the division continues. Next up: A return home for 3 games against Washington.

Art Deco · 04-09-2023, 11:01 PM

Game 1: The final score was 14-4 Rays, but it was a much closer game than that - 4-4 going into the bottom of the 7th before the Rays put a pair of 5-spots in the 7th and 8th to blow it open. Jon Morales had a massive game, going 4-5 with 4 RBI including an RBI double in the 7th and a 3-run shot in the 8th (#10). Another Morales, Danny, had 3 hits including a pair of RBI doubles, and Luis Barela added HR #17. Chad Winger struggled a bit at 5 5 4 4 2 6 and Steve Ravin (2-0) picked up the win, fanning 3 of the 4 men he faced and retired.

May 23: Placed 1B Juan Viatoro on the 10-day IL with a mild hip strain, recalled 1B Nesty de la Rosa from AAA Durham.

Viatoro will be back when his IL time is up as he goes on the list for the second time this season.

Game 2: The Rays were on the other end of a blowout in the second game as the Nats routed them 9-3. Steve Morris (5-2) wasn't sharp at 5 9 4 4 2 2 and nor was the bullpen. Beau Bonczek was 2-4 with 2 RBI including HR #12.

Game 3: The teams continued to trade laughers as the Rays took the rubber game by bouncing the Nats 10-2. A 6-run 5th broke it open, and Alex Duran had a 4-RBI day including a 3-run shot (#9) while Nesty de la Rosa was 2-3 with a double and 2 RBI. Jimmy Bernal improved to 5-0, 2.94 after going 6 6 1 1 2 1.

Team record: 38-12. Yankees also took 2 of 3 so the division lead remains 4 1/2. Next up: A day off then the Dodgers come to town for 3.

Art Deco · 04-10-2023, 11:35 PM

Game 1: This game was scoreless until the 6th, the Rays broke it open with a 4-run 8th to go up 6-0, and then held on to beat the Dodgers 6-3 in the opener at Publix Park. Dave Rose (6-1) was utterly dominant at 6 4 0 0 2 11 and lasted long enough for the win when Juan Davila singled in the game's first run. Beau Bonczek then provided what turned out to be necessary runs with a grand slam (#13) in the 8th as Steve Ravin gave up a 3-run Dodger homer in the 9th.

Game 2: The Rays squandered a 4-0 lead in this one, but then won it when Beau Bonczek (#14) homered in the 8th inning again to break a 4-4 tie and Ruben Ramirez went back-to-back with his 7th. Before all that they had the early lead when Juan Davila and Dante Chinchilla each drove in a pair while Rex Bransington was cruising before a key Luis Barela opened the floodgates for 4 LA runs in the 6th. Human good-luck charm Willie Navarro (6-1) got the win and Steve Talbott had a 1-2-3 9th for save #15.

Game 3: Tampa Bay did everything to keep giving this game back to LA but ending up winning anyway 10-8. Juan Davila homered twice (#17 & 18), tripled and drove in 4 runs to help the Rays to a 7-1 lead before LA struck for 5 in the 6th to cut the lead to 7-6. A 3-run 8th including a 2-run Jon McGovern double and Luis Barela's 18th homer made it 10-6, but Steve Ravin couldn't be trusted with the 4-run lead putting two men in scoring position whom Steve Talbott let score although he still recorded save #16. Chad Winger (4-3) got the win despite a tough 5.1 6 5 5 1 6 line although Mike Bertram let his inherited runners score. Davila is having an incredible year (368/421/709 with 18 HR & 47 RBI).

Team record: 41-12. The division lead was not expanded as the Yankees swept San Diego. Next up: 3 games in Cincinnati.

Art Deco · 04-11-2023, 11:39 PM

Game 1: A rare low-scoring Rays game that saw them come out on top 3-1. Steve Morris (6-2) might have pitched his best game of the year at 5 3 1 1 1 6 and the bullpen was lights-out with four different relievers throwing a scoreless inning apiece with Steve Talbott taking the 9th for save #17. RBI singles in the 3rd from Nesty de la Rosa, David Morales, and Jon McGovern, each of whom were in the minors last year, accounted for all of the offense.

Game 2: The Rays' bats were stifled and Jimmy Bernal suffered his first loss in a Tampa Bay uniform as the Reds handled them 6-1. Bernal (5-1) did not have it tonight, going 4 9 6 6 1 1, and neither did his teammates who only managed three hits on the night.

Game 3: Tampa Bay took the rubber game 9-6, scoring early and often and overcoming a poor Dave Rose start. Beau Bonczek led the charge, going 4-4 with HR #16 and 3 RBI, Jon Morales had a 2-run homer (#11) and Luis Barela broke a 6-6 tie in the 5th with a 2-run shot of his own (#19). Rose got his strikeouts but was too hittable otherwise, going 4.1 8 6 6 2 8. Mel Mejia led another great performance from the bullpen, going 1 2/3 scoreless to improve to 3-0 and Steve Kay hurled a 1-2-3 9th for save #4.

Team record: 43-13. Next up: 4 games in New York against the Yankees, who also took 2 out of 3 to remain 4 1/2 back.

Art Deco · 04-13-2023, 10:10 AM

Some roster shuffling before the big series in New York:

June 1: Traded 30-year old RHP Steve Ravin to the Milwaukee Brewers, getting 26-year old minor league RHP Chris Giles in return, purchased the contract of SP Alec McInerney from Triple A Durham.

Ravin was the choice to go to make room for the return of McInerney, who pitched so well for us last season. Giles is a useful arm (55/55/45 as a starter, 60 stuff as a reliever). For now McInerney is in long relief with Steve Morris the shakiest in the current rotation but coming off a good start.

Game 1: The Rays took the important opener from New York 7-2, scoring 3 times in the 7th to break a 1-1 tie. Nesty de la Rosa's sac fly put them up and David Morales followed with a 2-run single. Dantel Chinchilla later added a 2-run single of his own, and Beau Bonczek had a solo homer (#17) for the first Tampa Bay run. Rex Bransington had a great start (5 5 0 0 1 7) and the win went to Chris Hetzel (2-1) in relief.

Game 2: Tampa Bay was victorious again, as Chad Winger and the bullpen held Yankee bats in check in a 4-1 win. Winger (5-3) got the job done at 5 6 1 1 2 2 and the bullpen hurled 4 hitless innings culminating in Steve Talbott's 18th save. Jon Morales' 2-run homer (#18) in the 1st was all the offense they needed and Ismael Morales in a rare start was 3-4 with an RBI triple.

Game 3: The Rays scored 3 times in the 8th to go up 5-3 on New York but a bullpen meltdown in the bottom of the inning saw the Yankees score 6 times, dealing them a 9-5 loss. Luis Barela's clutch 2-run homer (#20) gave them that 8th-inning lead before Chris Hetzel, who gave up 2 runs in the 7th to put them behind, put the leadoff man on and the Kevin Leonard (1-1) couldn't get anyone out as all five men he faced ended up scoring along with Hetzel's runner. As a result of Hetzel and Leonard's follies a fine start from Steve Morris at 6 4 1 1 1 4 was wasted.

Game 4: Speaking of wasted, the Rays wasted an opportunity to gain ground on the Yankees when the bullpen failed once again and they ended up with a series split after a 3-2 loss. Like yesterday they went ahead in the 8th, going up 2-1 on Luis Barela's bases-loaded walk, but again things went awry in the bottom of the frame with the normally-reliable Steve Kay tagged for two runs, the first save he's blown this year. Jon Morales homered again in a losing cause with a solo shot (#13) and another good start was squandered as Jimmy Bernal went 5 4 1 1 4 0.

Team record: 45-15, so after all that they remain 4 1/2 up on New York although at least 4 days came off the calendar. Next up: Back home for 3 vs Toronto.

Art Deco · 04-13-2023, 09:57 PM

Correa:

Who Izzy? Correa is a top-notch high-school pitching prospect from Alabama who has ace potential according to the scouts. We'll see.

Conyers:

Our supplemental first-rounder for losing Greg Bookhart is a high school OF from that baseball hotbed of Utah who has off-the-charts power potential and a pretty good potential hit tool as well, so he could be special.

Tafoya:

Out of Oregon State, Tafoya could probably play passably in the bigs right now but could be so much more than passable in a couple of years. A potential elite all-around hitter who can play a decent third, Tafoya's issues are mainly around his attitude and personality as you can see on the right, so hopefully he can overcome those.

Agudelo:

A Texas high-school righty, Agudelo is projected to have outstanding stuff, but given the control and movement potential he's far from a sure thing. Seems like a future reliever to me but I'm prepared to be surprised.

Jackson:

This California prep 2B's best position looks to be "bat" as his fielding looks suspect but he might be an excellent hitter.

Ortiz:

The dreaded high school 1B, Ortiz hails from the Bay State and we'll see if he hits.

Art Deco · 04-14-2023, 09:48 AM

Game 1: The Rays took a tidy 4-2 win over the Jays at Publix Park to open their 3-game series. Dave Rose (7-1) was dealing at 6 4 0 0 2 6 and thanks to some bullpen struggles Steve Talbott had to get a 4-out save, his 19th. Luis Barela was the offense, hitting a solo shot in the 2nd and a 3-run blast in the 5th (#22) to provide the winning margin. The future Hall-of-Famer also now taken over the MLB lead in RBI with 54.

Game 2: Tampa Bay fell behind 5-0 in the 2nd inning but as those reading this dynasty will know 'tis nothing but a flesh wound and they came back to beat Toronto 9-7. The game was tied by the third thanks in part to Luis Barela's 2-run double, and his RBI single in the 7th made it 6-5. Alex Duran then added a 3-run homer (#10) in the 8th to cap a 4-RBI day and provide needed insurance when the bullpen gave up a pair in the 9th, necessitating Steve Talbott to get the final two outs for save #20. Rex Bransington had a rough start (3 4 5 5 3 4) and Willie Navarro picked up his 7th relief win already, tying him for the league lead. Alec McInerney made his return to the Rays with 3 scoreless innings.

Game 3: The Rays completed the sweep thanks to a 6-2 win in the finale. A 2-run homer from Jon Morales (#14) and an Alex Duran solo shot (#11) gave them a 3-0 lead and after Toronto crept back within 3-2, 3 runs in the 8th gave them breathing room with Dantel Chinchilla's 2-run double the big hit. Chad Winger (6-3) was solid at 5 6 1 1 2 4 for the win.

Team record: 48-15. We did gain a game on the Yankees to increase the division lead to 5 1/2. Next up: An off-day then a weekend in Oklahoma City.

Art Deco · 04-15-2023, 09:44 AM

Finally imported this save into OOTP24, knew it would take hours with 30+ seasons behind it.

Game 1: Steve Morris' good run continued and the Rays took the opener from the Sunbirds 4-2. The lefty improved to 7-2 after going 6 6 2 2 1 2, has allowed only 4 runs over his last 3 starts, and holds off Alec McInerney for at least another rotation turn. Steve Talbott finished up for save #21. Ruben Ramirez led the offense, going 3-4 with an RBI as the Rays got the better of former teammate Brad Mabe.

Game 2: It was the Jon Morales show as the 2049 MVP & Rookie of the Year hit a 2-run homer in the 6th to tie the game and then a 3-run shot in the 9th (#16) to give Tampa Bay a 6-3 win over Oklahoma City. Juan Davila was on base for both of those Morales homers as he was 4-5 on the day. Jimmy Bernal turned in a pedestrian start at 5 7 3 3 0 1 but the pen was on point with Mel Mejia (4-0) picking up the win and Steve Talbott saving again with his 22nd as he seems to be over his early-season yips.

Game 3: The Rays completed the sweep and made it 6 straight wins with an 8-3 decision over the Sunbirds. Dave Rose (8-1) was dealing and took a shutout into the 8th before giving up 3 runs and finishing 7.1 6 3 3 1 8. He now leads the AL in wins. Steve Kay recorded save #5 by getting Rose out of the 8th and staying on in the 9th after the Rays put 3 more on the board in the top of the inning. Alex Duran had a 2-run homer (#12) while Juan Viatoro and Beau Bonczek each knocked in a pair. Juan Davila had 3 more hits to go with his 4 from the day before, tripled and drove in a run.

Team record: 51-15. The Yankees are playing good baseball again, but winning 2 of 3 put them one game farther back at 6 1/2. Next up: off to Fenway for 3 games against the Red Sox.

03-27-2023, 09:52 AM	#2381
Art Deco Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2020 Posts: 7,595	April 10-13, 2051: at Minnesota (3) Game 1: They waited until the 8th to break it open but the Rays took a comfortable 8-3 win over the Twins in the end to make it three straight wins after a miserable 1-7 start. Dantel Chinchilla doubled a drove in a pair while Juan Viatoro was 3-5 with a pair of doubles and an RBI to lead the way. Dave Rose couldn't get the last out he needed for the win, going 4.2 5 3 2 4 4 on 95 pitches and leaving the bases loaded for Steve Kay (1-0), who got him out of it and got the win. Chris Hetzel threw 3 innings of 1-hit relief for his first save. Game 2: Juan Davila's 4th homer of the year, a solo shot in the 9th, broke a 2-2 tie and gave the Rays their fourth consecutive win 3-2. Davila had earlier doubled in a run and Juan Viatoro's RBI single tied it at 2 in the 7th. Rex Bransington had a good start at 5.1 6 2 2 0 6, Willie Navarro (2-1) picked up the win, and Steve Talbott earned save #2. Game 3: Luis Barela to the rescue as the Rays completed the sweep, beating Minnesota 10-9 in 11 innings after blowing an 8-1 lead. Juan Davila was 3-5 with HR #5 and 2 RBI and Barela had a 2-run homer to build that 8-1 lead. Chad Winger gave a couple back and finished 5 6 3 3 4 5 but the bullpen lost it over the next four innings with Steve Ravin the biggest culprit, allowing the tying 3 runs. But Barela stepped up in the 11th and went yard again with a man on for his 4th homer. Steve Talbott (1-0) had pitched the 10th and got the win, staying on for the 11th and giving up an unearned run of his own. Team record: 6-7. The Yankees finally lost a game but are still 12-1. Next up: A day off then 3 more road games in Baltimore.

03-28-2023, 10:17 AM	#2382
Art Deco Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2020 Posts: 7,595	April 14-16, 2051: at Baltimore (3) Game 1: The bullpen blew another late lead but the offense picked them up as the Rays made it 6 straight wins and got back to .500 with an 8-6 win at Oriole Park. Alex Duran's sac fly and Juan Viatoro's RBI single against his old team broke a 6-6 tie in the 9th, allowing Kevin Leonard (1-0) to vulture a win after losing a 6-5 lead in the 8th. Steve Kay picked up his first Rays save in the 9th. Earlier they got a mediocre start from Steve Morris (6 7 5 5 0 2, 3 HR) and a grand slam from Beau Bonczek (#2). Game 2: The Rays broke open a game they led 3-1 with 8 runs in the 6th and went on to a 13-5 rout of the Orioles to run their win streak to 7. Alex Duran had a massive game, going 4-6 with a double, 2 homers (#2 & 3) and 4 RBI, Juan Viatoro was 4-5 with two doubles and a 2-run homer (#3), and Dantel Chinchilla had a big 2-run double in that 6th. That was more than enough for Jimmy Bernal to record his first win as a Ray after going 5.1 4 2 1 5 1. Game 3: Tampa Bay completed the sweep and made it 8 straight wins as Dave Rose pitched well and they took a 6-1 victory in Baltimore. Rose (1-1) went 6 7 1 1 2 7 and looked more like the ace we thought he was after three rough outings to start the season. Juan Davila was 4-4 with an RBI triple, David Morales had a 2-run single and Jon McGovern was on base three times and scored three runs to lead the offense. Team record: 9-7. The Yankees are ridiculous, sweeping the Jays and going to 15-1. Still a lot of season to go however. Next up: Our seemingly never-ending road run to start the year concludes with 3 in Cleveland. Also old friend Greg Bookhart is not off to a good start with Boston - after getting hit hard in his debut start he's now out with a herniated disc.

03-29-2023, 10:36 AM	#2383
Art Deco Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2020 Posts: 7,595	April 17-19, 2051: at Cleveland (3) Game 1: The Rays have gone from the team that couldn't win to the team that can't lose as they made it 9 straight wins with a 13-6 rout of Cleveland at Progressive Field. Although his only hit of the game was an RBI single in the 9th with the game well in hand, that hit was the 2000th of Luis Barela's illustrious career and he got a brief ovation from what was left of the Cleveland crowd. Otherwise it was the biggest game yet of David Morales' young career as the rookie catcher drove in 5 including a pair of 2-run doubles and fellow rookie Jon McGovern was 3-5 with 2 doubles and 2 RBI. Rex Brasington (2-1) shut the Guardians down except for a 3-run homer and finished 6 4 3 2 0 6 for the win. Game 2: The win streak reached double digits as the Rays nosed out the Guardians 3-2 with Juan Davila's 6th homer in the 7th breaking a 2-2 tie. Chad Winger was decent but couldn't finish the 5th, going 4.2 6 2 2 1 3 and the win went to Mike Bertram (1-0) who got Winger out of his jam and went 2 1/3 scoreless. Steve Talbott had a 1-2-3 9th for save #3. Game 3: The Rays completed the sweep and won their 11th straight game after starting the year 1-7 thanks to Juan Davila once again as they needed every one of the star 2B's five hits on the night, including a solo homer (#7) in the 7th to tie it and an RBI single in the 9th to win it 3-2 again. Steve Morris had a solid start (6 5 2 2 3 2), Willie Navarro (3-1) got the win in relief and Steve Talbott saved again, his 4th. Team record: 12-7. So did they gain any ground on the Yankees with the sweep? LOL no. Not only did the Yankees not lose, they won a fourth game on our day off after the series to go to 19-1 and gain 1/2 a game, now up 6 1/2. Look out 1984 Tigers. Next up: After that off-day we're back home for 3 against Baltimore, losers of 9 straight including a series to us last weekend and those four games the Yankees just won. Last edited by Art Deco; 03-29-2023 at 10:39 AM.

03-30-2023, 03:15 PM	#2384
Art Deco Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2020 Posts: 7,595	April 21-23, 2051: vs Baltimore (3) Game 1: It was a rare low-scoring game at Publix Park as the Rays made it 12 wins in a row after downing the Orioles 4-2. Juan Viatoro's 2-run homer in the 4th (#4) put Tampa Bay ahead to stay, although Jimmy Bernal couldn't quite get through 5 to qualify for the win, going 4.2 5 2 2 03. Instead Steve Kay (2-0) earned it and Steve Talbott picked up save #5. Game 2: Today was more like Publix Park as the teams played quite the rollercoaster game that saw the Rays nearly lose a 13-1 lead before hanging on to prevail 16-12. Juan Davila had a pair of homers to give him 9 and drove in 4, and Alex Duran (#4) and Dantel Chinchilla (#2) had 3-run homers to build that huge lead but Baltimore scored 11 times (!) in the 7th off Steve Ravin and Mel Mejia to cut it to 13-12. Jon Morales then picked a good time for his 1st homer of the year, a 2-run shot, and Beau Bonczek added #3 to give them some breathing room. Dave Rose (2-1) had by far his best start of the year at 6 2 1 1 0 9 as it was after he left all hell broke loose. Game 3: More high drama as the Rays completed the sweep and extended the winning streak to 14 with a walk-off come-from-behind 8-7 win. They trailed 7-1 going into the bottom of the 8th when they scored 3 in the inning including Dantel Chinchilla's 2-run shot (#3) and then with the score 7-4 in the bottom of the 9th Jon Morales doubled in a run and then Luis Barela sent everyone except the Orioles home happy with a 3-run blast (#5). Barela made a winner of Willie Navarro (4-1) and saved Rex Bransington from a loss after a rough 4 7 5 5 0 5 outing. Morales earlier hit his 2nd homer of the year and second in as many days and was 4-5 with 2 stolen bases to go with the homer & 2 RBI. Team record: 15-7. Did the Yankees lose? What do you think? The only thing that kept them from winning Sunday was a rainout so the Rays did pick up 1/2 game in the standings to move within 6. Next up: Boston visits for 3 games.

03-31-2023, 04:45 PM	#2385
Art Deco Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2020 Posts: 7,595	April 24-26, 2051: vs Boston (3) Game 1: There's no stopping the Rays right now but they'll probably end up 155-7 while the Yankees go 161-1 (that of course can't happen since they have games against each other to play). Tampa Bay made it 15 straight with a 9-5 win over the Red Sox in their series opener. Boston pitching couldn't get Beau Bonczek out as he walked 3 times and drilled a 2-run homer (#4) in the 2nd that got the scoring started as the Rays built a 9-1 lead. Ruben Ramirez went yard for the first time this year, a 2-run shot and Jon McGovern was 2-4 with 2 RBI. Chad Winger (1-1) was excellent against his former team, getting his first Rays win after going 6 5 1 1 0 5 before the pen got banged around a bit. April 25: Placed 1B Juan Viatoro on the 10-day IL with a strained back, recalled 1B Nesty de la Rosa from AAA Durham. Viatoro suffered the injury late in yesterday's game and ready to make his MLB debut is de la Rosa, our first-round pick in 2046 who's a pure hitter (75 contact, 75 gap, 75 avoid Ks) with moderate power (50). He's a lefty and does have a decent platoon split. Game 2: It's now 16 consecutive wins for the Rays as they routed the Red Sox 8-2. Luis Barela homered twice and drove in 4, reaching the 450 career homer mark (by the way he became the club's all-time HR leader last year, passing Danny Ayala who had 314, he now has 327). They also got homers from Juan Davila (#10), Jon Morales (#3) and Alex Duran (#5). Steve Morris (2-1) was very good at 6.1 7 2 2 0 3 for the win. Game 3: Make it 17 in a row for Tampa Bay as they handled Boston 4-1. Beau Bonczek had a pair of solo homers to give him 6 and Nesty de la Rosa had 3 hits including a double in first MLB start. Jimmy Bernal (2-0) was quite good at 6 6 1 1 1 3 and sports a 2.49 ERA despite a pedestrian 8/8 BB/K ratio in 25 IP. Steve Talbott saved for the 6th time. In case you're wondering about streak records, those who have followed this dynasty since the early days might recall the 2022 squad won 25 straight, setting the AL record and falling one short of tying the MLB record. Team record: 18-7. Well it finally happened. Yes, the Yankees lost a game. Mind you it was only one game out of three in Oakland but enough to allow the Rays to close the division gap to 5 games. Baby steps. Next up: We'll put the 17-game win streak on the line in Detroit where they AL Central-leading Tigers await. That's not as daunting as it sounds though as Detroit is atop their division despite a 13-13 record.

03-31-2023, 05:20 PM	#2386
Art Deco Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2020 Posts: 7,595	All-Time Franchise Leaders In the previous post I mentioned Luis Barela taking over the all-time franchise lead in homers which got me thinking given that we've played 31+ seasons in this dynasty it's time to take a look at the all-time leaders. Man, Jaiden Hardaway was something else:

04-01-2023, 07:10 PM	#2387
Art Deco Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2020 Posts: 7,595	April 28-30, 2051: at Detroit (3) Game 1: Make it 18 straight wins for the Rays as they handled the Tigers 9-4 in the opener at Comerica Park. Tampa Bay trailed 3-2 going into the 4th before erupting for 6 runs highlighted by a 3-run Juan Davila homer (#11) and a 2-run Jon McGovern single. Luis Barela also contributed a 2-run homer (#8) and Ruben Ramirez went solo (#2). Dave Rose was very good, improving to 3-1 after a 7 5 4 1 2 7 outing. Game 2: And it's 19 in a row thanks to a 5-3 victory over Detroit. Rex Bransington (3-1) was quite good at 5 3 1 1 2 4 and Steve Talbott picked up save #7 despite allowing a solo homer in the 9th. Juan Davila's insane start to the season continued with his 12th homer, Jon Morales hit his 4th and Dantel Chinchilla had a pair of RBI singles. Game 3: Ruben Ramirez to the rescue as his 3-run pinch-homer (#3) in the 7th inning gave the Rays a 3-1 win and increased the winning streak to an amazing 20. Chad Winger pitched his best game as a Ray at 6 3 1 1 1 7 but had nothing to show for it until Ramirez came through and enabled him to improve to 2-1. Steve Kay finished for his second save. Team record: 21-7. The Yankees did lose a game and are now 24-3, so their division lead is down to 4 games. And for once we finally get to do something about it as perhaps the biggest series ever in May gets underway tomorrow at Publix Park when New York comes to town. There's never been a matchup like this before at this point of the season:

04-02-2023, 06:33 PM	#2388
Art Deco Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2020 Posts: 7,595	May 1-3, 2051: vs NY Yankees (3) Game 1: The eyes of the baseball world were upon Publix Park as the 25-3 Yankees faced off against the 21-7 Rays who are on a 20-game win streak as the 3-game clash of titans began. And the Rays made it 21 wins in a row after comprehensively handling the Yankees 7-3. Dantel Chinchilla hit a couple of solo homers (#4 & 5), Alex Duran was 3-4 with a double and 2 RBI, and Jon Morales 2-4 with a double and 2 RBI to pace the offense while Steve Morris (3-1) turned in his best start of the year against his former club going 7 6 2 2 0 4 as the Rays pulled within 3 games of New York. Game 2: They did it again as the Rays romped 7-1 over the Yankees for their 22nd straight victory. The longball carried them today as solo homers by Luis Barela (#9) and Beau Bonczek (#7) in the 4th opened the scoring and Jon Morales added a 3-run blast (#5) in the 5th to break it open. Once again the Tampa Bay pitching was outstanding as Jimmy Bernal (3-0), who came into the game with only 8 whiffs in 30 IP, went 5 3 1 1 3 5 and the bullpen shut it down from there as the Yankees' once 7-game lead has dwindled to 2. Game 3: The finale featured the best pitching matchup of the series as New York sent big free agent signing and former Mets ace Dave Glass against our own Dave Rose. And it was scoreless into the bottom of the 6th when Jon McGovern struck out with 2 out but reached on a passed ball, stole second and scored on Juan Davila's RBI single. That opened the floodgates and Jon Morales blasted a 2-run homer (#6) and Luis Barela went back-to-back with him for #10, making it 4-0 and despite some shaky relief pitching in the 9th the Rays held on to a 4-2 win, kept their incredible win streak alive at 23, swept the Yankees and pulled to within 1 game of the division lead. Rose meanwhile did work at 6 4 0 0 1 6 to improve to 4-1 and it was 4-0 into the 9th before Steves Kay and Talbott combined to allow 2 runs on 4 hits although Talbott hung for his 8th save. Team record: 24-7 (winning all day, every day). History is in sight with both the team and AL-record streak set in 2022 of 25 in sight as well as the MLB record of 26 set by the 1916 Giants. They'll have to sweep the next series at home against Toronto to get there after taking a day off.

04-03-2023, 10:11 PM	#2389
Art Deco Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2020 Posts: 7,595	May 5-7, 2051: vs Toronto (3) Game 1: The Rays nearly lost their 23-game win streak in the opener at Publix Park but a couple of clutch homers kept it alive as they made it 24 straight after taking Toronto 5-4 in 10 innings at Publix Park. Rex Bransington pitched well (4.2 3 0 0 0 6) and they led 3-1 going into the 8th with a Danny Morales 2-run single the big hit. Enter the perpetually shaky closer Steve Talbott, who gave up a 3-run homer in the 9th to put Toronto ahead 4-3, only his 2nd blown save of the year although it seems like more. But Beau Bonczek led off the 9th with HR #8 to tie it up and in the 10th Juan Davila walked it off with his third hit of the day and his 13th homer of the season to set off a party atmosphere in Tampa. Steve Kay (3-0) pitched the 10th for the win as the Rays move within one win of tying their own AL record and two from tying the MLB mark. Game 2: History in the making as the Rays rolled to a 7-1 win over Toronto to equal the team and AL record of 25 consecutive wins. Chad Winger (3-1) was brilliant, taking a shutout into the 9th before giving up a leadoff homer and finishing 8 7 1 1 1 5. Ruben Ramirez was the hitting hero, going 3-3 with a solo homer (#4) in the 2nd to commence the scoring and an RBI double in the 2nd to make it 3-0. Luis Barela later added HR #11. Game 3: Move over, 1916 Giants - your 135-year-old MLB record of 26 straight wins has been equaled: It looked like it'd come easy but in the end it didn't as the bullpen nearly squandered an 8-2 lead after 7 innings. Kevin Leonard gave up a 3-run homer in the 8th and then it was time for more Steve Talbott-induced agita as he put two men on in the 9th and brought the tying run to the plate to bring back memories of Friday night before getting a whiff to put the Rays in the record books. Team record: 27-7. We'll be going for the MLB record at a ballpark that existed when the 1916 Giants set it: Fenway, as we play a 3-game set there. Jimmy Bernal will get the ball for the potential historic game. But did we gain any ground on New York? Nope, the Yankees swept their weekend series as well, resuming non-stop winning after not playing us any longer so they still hold a 1-game division lead.

04-04-2023, 06:46 PM	#2390
Art Deco Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2020 Posts: 7,595	May 8-11, 2051: at Boston (4) Game 1: HISTORY IS MADE! They did it! The Rays beat Boston to win their 27th straight game, breaking the MLB record set 135 years ago by the New York Giants. Perhaps even more amazing is this is a team that started off 1-7 and hasn't lost since. It looked like it would be a romp when they went up 8-2 in the 5th inning but starter Jimmy Bernal and reliever Mel Mejia couldn't hold the lead and Boston forced extra innings. And it was a rookie who was the hero as Jon McGovern, who earlier in the game hit his first MLB homer, delivered a 2-run single for the winning runs. And of course Steve Talbott had to make it interesting, putting two on with two out in the bottom of the 10th leaving Steve Kay to come in and close the door, preserving history. Game 2: After spending a month putting together the longest win streak in MLB history, the Rays could be forgiven for having a letdown. And it sure looked that way when Boston took leads of 6-1 and 9-5. But this Tampa Bay team doesn't know when to quit and they came back with a 7-run 7th inning to take a 12-10 victory and extend their record win streak to 28. That 7-run inning came courtesy of two big hits: first Dantel Chinchilla's bases-clearing double and then after the bases were re-loaded, Jon Morales' grand slam (#7). Dave Rose had a rough start (4 5 3 3 5 4) and the bullpen was even rougher before Steve Ravin (1-0) settled things down with a couple of scoreless innings and Willie Navarro went the final 1 2/3 for his first save despite allowing a run. Game 3: The Rays were up against an old friend in Tampa Bay career win leader Greg Bookhart but he would not be the one to stop their streak as a 7-4 triumph meant it was 29 wins on the trot as the English would say. Bookhart left a 3-3 game after 5 before Luis Barela drilled a solo homer in the 6th (#13) to put the Rays ahead to stay as he was 3-5 with 2 RBI on the day. Also having another big game was Jon McGovern, who doubled and tripled among his 3 hits and drove in a pair as well. Rex Bransington couldn't hold an early 3-1 lead and finished 4 5 3 3 3 8, Mel Mejia (1-0) got the win pitching the 5th, and Steve Talbott managed a 2-inning save, his 10th. Game 4: All good things, as they say, and the Rays' MLB-record win streak was halted before it could reach 30 as Boston blanked them 6-0. Red Sox pitching turned the Tampa Bay bats to sawdust today permitting only a pair of singles and although Chad Winger (3-2) pitched well at 5.1 4 2 2 2 7 before the pen let it get out of hand, it wasn't going to be enough. Team record: 30-8. The Yankees did lose a game in all this and the teams were tied in first for a couple of days, but the loss in the finale while New York was idle dropped the Rays 1/2 game back. No worry though as they'll have an immediate chance to do something about it as the Yankees visit Publix Park again for 3 games.

04-05-2023, 09:24 PM	#2391
Art Deco Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2020 Posts: 7,595	May 12-14, 2051: vs NY Yankees (3) Game 1: For the first time all season the Rays moved into sole possession of first place after handing the Yankees a 6-3 loss in the series opener at Publix Park. New York took an early 2-1 lead but in the 3rd inning after the Rays tied it up Alex Duran blasted a 3-run homer (#6) to send them on their way. Steve Morris (5-1) wasn't dominating but did enough to win at 5.1 7 3 2 2 1 and Steve Talbott had a rare 1-2-3 9th for save #11. May 13: Activated 1B Juan Viatoro from the 10-day IL, optioned 1B Nesty de la Rosa to AAA Durham. de la Rosa looked like he could hit at the MLB level in his brief stint with the big club and will be back. Game 2: Tampa Bay put a little more daylight between themselves and the Yankees by beating them again 5-2. Like yesterday the Rays overcame a 2-1 Yankee lead but unlike yesterday it all happened much later in the game as they tied it in the 7th on Dantel Chinchilla's RBI double and then scored 3 times in the 8th with Alex Duran once again breaking the deadlock with a homer (#7) and Beau Bonczek adding a 2-run double for insurance. Jimmy Bernal was excellent in a no-decision at 6 5 1 0 2 5, Mel Mejia (2-1) got the win, and Steve Talbott did his job in the 9th again for his 12th save. May 14: Placed P Kevin Leonard on the 10-day IL with back spasms, claimed P Billy Haroutunian on waivers. Leonard's injury probably didn't warrant an IL stay but it enables us to add Haroutunian without having to waive someone like Steve Ravin for now. The 37-year-old righty joins the Rays for a second time, having pitched for us 10 years ago, and still has 65 stuff. Game 3: The Rays tasted defeat for only the 2nd time in their last 33 games as the Yankees beat on the bullpen for a 6-1 win. Dave Rose had a good start at 5.1 5 1 1 1 7 and the teams were deadlocked at 1 with the Rays' run coming on a solo Juan Viatoro homer (#5). But Billy Haroutunian (0-1) was terrible in his return to the Rays, giving up 3 runs on 4 hits in the 7th and Chris Hetzel allowed another pair to put the game out of reach. They still remain 1/2 ahead of the Yankees though after taking the series. Team record: 32-9. Next up: Off to Seattle for 3 games.

04-06-2023, 07:51 PM	#2392
Art Deco Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2020 Posts: 7,595	May 15-17, 2051: at Seattle (3) Game 1: The Rays turned a 5-2 deficit into an 8-5 win with a 5-run 7th inning to take the opener over the Mariners at T-Mobile Park. Juan Davila had the big hit, a 2-run double in that 7th and then followed it up with a solo homer (#15) in the 8th for insurance. Luis Barela had a 2-run double in the 1st and Juan Viatoro had 3 hits as Mike Bertram (2-0) picked up the win in relief with Steve Talbott finally getting into a groove with save #13. Rex Bransington was 4 6 4 4 0 7 in a mixed bag of a start. Game 2: Tampa Bay couldn't get much going offense and suffered a rare defeat of late, falling 6-2 to Seattle. Jon McGovern led off the game with his 2nd homer and Alex Duran (#8) had a solo consolation shot late but that was it for the bats. Chad Winger (3-3) was 4.2 4 4 4 3 6 and Billy Haroutunian had his second terrible relief outing in as many appearances since being claimed on waivers. Game 3: Similar to the opener the Rays were looking at defeat trailing 3-2 after 6 before exploding for a whopping 10 runs in the 7th to take a 13-7 win and the series from the Mariners. Ismael Morales came off the bench to deliver a pinch 2-run double to put the Rays on top in the 7th and Beau Bonczek capped the inning with a grand slam (#10). Luis Barela drove in 3 including a 2-run first-inning homer (#14) and Juan Davila drove in a pair as well. Steve Morris was 5 5 2 2 0 4 and missed out on the win by an inning with it going instead to Chris Hetzel (1-1). Steve Kay gave up a grand slam in the 9th with Joe Roberts' runners aboard to make the final score a little uglier. Team record: 34-10. Amazingly the Yankees were swept in Houston so the Rays now hold a 2 1/2-game lead after trailing by 6 games through the first 7 games of the season. Next up: The Rays will try to do what New York couldn't, win a game in Houston as they're heading there for 3.

04-08-2023, 02:32 PM	#2393
Art Deco Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2020 Posts: 7,595	May 19-21, 2051: at Houston (3) Game 1: The Rays opened up an early 5-0 lead and had to hang on to a 7-5 win over Houston at Minute Maid Park. Jon Morales had a big game, going 4-5 with a 2-run homer (#8), Beau Bonczek was on base 4 times including a solo homer (#13) and 2 RBI total and Ruben Ramirez knocked in a pair. Jimmy Bernal (4-0) couldn't quite handle the big lead but still won after going 5 8 3 3 1 3 and Steve Talbott gave us the usual adventure in the 9th by putting on a couple but still secured save #14. Game 2: Tampa Bay turned around a 4-1 deficit in with a 6-run 4th and went on to rout Houston 10-4. Luis Barela swung the big bat today with a pair of homers (#15 & 16) as part of a 3-hit, 4-RBI day while Juan Viatoro and Dantel Chinchilla each had 3 hits and 2 RBI. Dave Rose (5-1) had his struggles but still won a 5.2 9 4 4 3 7 outing. Game 3: Jon Morales hit a 3-run homer in the first inning (#9) but that was as good as it got for the Rays as they eventually lost 5-4 to Houston in the finale. Rex Bransington was decent at 5 5 2 2 0 5 but Chris Hetzel allowed 2 in the 6th to put Houston ahead. Jon McGovern tripled in a run in the 7th to tie it, but Steve Kay (3-1) gave up the winning homer to Doug Johns in the bottom of the inning. Team record: 36-11. The Yankees are in free-fall after being swept by Austin so the Rays' division lead has grown to 4 1/2 games as the rapid realignment of the division continues. Next up: A return home for 3 games against Washington.

04-09-2023, 11:01 PM	#2394
Art Deco Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2020 Posts: 7,595	May 22-24, 2051: vs Washington (3) Game 1: The final score was 14-4 Rays, but it was a much closer game than that - 4-4 going into the bottom of the 7th before the Rays put a pair of 5-spots in the 7th and 8th to blow it open. Jon Morales had a massive game, going 4-5 with 4 RBI including an RBI double in the 7th and a 3-run shot in the 8th (#10). Another Morales, Danny, had 3 hits including a pair of RBI doubles, and Luis Barela added HR #17. Chad Winger struggled a bit at 5 5 4 4 2 6 and Steve Ravin (2-0) picked up the win, fanning 3 of the 4 men he faced and retired. May 23: Placed 1B Juan Viatoro on the 10-day IL with a mild hip strain, recalled 1B Nesty de la Rosa from AAA Durham. Viatoro will be back when his IL time is up as he goes on the list for the second time this season. Game 2: The Rays were on the other end of a blowout in the second game as the Nats routed them 9-3. Steve Morris (5-2) wasn't sharp at 5 9 4 4 2 2 and nor was the bullpen. Beau Bonczek was 2-4 with 2 RBI including HR #12. Game 3: The teams continued to trade laughers as the Rays took the rubber game by bouncing the Nats 10-2. A 6-run 5th broke it open, and Alex Duran had a 4-RBI day including a 3-run shot (#9) while Nesty de la Rosa was 2-3 with a double and 2 RBI. Jimmy Bernal improved to 5-0, 2.94 after going 6 6 1 1 2 1. Team record: 38-12. Yankees also took 2 of 3 so the division lead remains 4 1/2. Next up: A day off then the Dodgers come to town for 3.

04-10-2023, 11:35 PM	#2395
Art Deco Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2020 Posts: 7,595	May 26-28, 2051: vs LA Dodgers (3) Game 1: This game was scoreless until the 6th, the Rays broke it open with a 4-run 8th to go up 6-0, and then held on to beat the Dodgers 6-3 in the opener at Publix Park. Dave Rose (6-1) was utterly dominant at 6 4 0 0 2 11 and lasted long enough for the win when Juan Davila singled in the game's first run. Beau Bonczek then provided what turned out to be necessary runs with a grand slam (#13) in the 8th as Steve Ravin gave up a 3-run Dodger homer in the 9th. Game 2: The Rays squandered a 4-0 lead in this one, but then won it when Beau Bonczek (#14) homered in the 8th inning again to break a 4-4 tie and Ruben Ramirez went back-to-back with his 7th. Before all that they had the early lead when Juan Davila and Dante Chinchilla each drove in a pair while Rex Bransington was cruising before a key Luis Barela opened the floodgates for 4 LA runs in the 6th. Human good-luck charm Willie Navarro (6-1) got the win and Steve Talbott had a 1-2-3 9th for save #15. Game 3: Tampa Bay did everything to keep giving this game back to LA but ending up winning anyway 10-8. Juan Davila homered twice (#17 & 18), tripled and drove in 4 runs to help the Rays to a 7-1 lead before LA struck for 5 in the 6th to cut the lead to 7-6. A 3-run 8th including a 2-run Jon McGovern double and Luis Barela's 18th homer made it 10-6, but Steve Ravin couldn't be trusted with the 4-run lead putting two men in scoring position whom Steve Talbott let score although he still recorded save #16. Chad Winger (4-3) got the win despite a tough 5.1 6 5 5 1 6 line although Mike Bertram let his inherited runners score. Davila is having an incredible year (368/421/709 with 18 HR & 47 RBI). Team record: 41-12. The division lead was not expanded as the Yankees swept San Diego. Next up: 3 games in Cincinnati.

04-11-2023, 11:39 PM	#2396
Art Deco Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2020 Posts: 7,595	May 29-31, 2031: at Cincinnati (3) Game 1: A rare low-scoring Rays game that saw them come out on top 3-1. Steve Morris (6-2) might have pitched his best game of the year at 5 3 1 1 1 6 and the bullpen was lights-out with four different relievers throwing a scoreless inning apiece with Steve Talbott taking the 9th for save #17. RBI singles in the 3rd from Nesty de la Rosa, David Morales, and Jon McGovern, each of whom were in the minors last year, accounted for all of the offense. Game 2: The Rays' bats were stifled and Jimmy Bernal suffered his first loss in a Tampa Bay uniform as the Reds handled them 6-1. Bernal (5-1) did not have it tonight, going 4 9 6 6 1 1, and neither did his teammates who only managed three hits on the night. Game 3: Tampa Bay took the rubber game 9-6, scoring early and often and overcoming a poor Dave Rose start. Beau Bonczek led the charge, going 4-4 with HR #16 and 3 RBI, Jon Morales had a 2-run homer (#11) and Luis Barela broke a 6-6 tie in the 5th with a 2-run shot of his own (#19). Rose got his strikeouts but was too hittable otherwise, going 4.1 8 6 6 2 8. Mel Mejia led another great performance from the bullpen, going 1 2/3 scoreless to improve to 3-0 and Steve Kay hurled a 1-2-3 9th for save #4. Team record: 43-13. Next up: 4 games in New York against the Yankees, who also took 2 out of 3 to remain 4 1/2 back.

04-13-2023, 10:10 AM	#2397
Art Deco Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2020 Posts: 7,595	June 1-4, 2051: at NY Yankees (4) Some roster shuffling before the big series in New York: June 1: Traded 30-year old RHP Steve Ravin to the Milwaukee Brewers, getting 26-year old minor league RHP Chris Giles in return, purchased the contract of SP Alec McInerney from Triple A Durham. Ravin was the choice to go to make room for the return of McInerney, who pitched so well for us last season. Giles is a useful arm (55/55/45 as a starter, 60 stuff as a reliever). For now McInerney is in long relief with Steve Morris the shakiest in the current rotation but coming off a good start. Game 1: The Rays took the important opener from New York 7-2, scoring 3 times in the 7th to break a 1-1 tie. Nesty de la Rosa's sac fly put them up and David Morales followed with a 2-run single. Dantel Chinchilla later added a 2-run single of his own, and Beau Bonczek had a solo homer (#17) for the first Tampa Bay run. Rex Bransington had a great start (5 5 0 0 1 7) and the win went to Chris Hetzel (2-1) in relief. Game 2: Tampa Bay was victorious again, as Chad Winger and the bullpen held Yankee bats in check in a 4-1 win. Winger (5-3) got the job done at 5 6 1 1 2 2 and the bullpen hurled 4 hitless innings culminating in Steve Talbott's 18th save. Jon Morales' 2-run homer (#18) in the 1st was all the offense they needed and Ismael Morales in a rare start was 3-4 with an RBI triple. Game 3: The Rays scored 3 times in the 8th to go up 5-3 on New York but a bullpen meltdown in the bottom of the inning saw the Yankees score 6 times, dealing them a 9-5 loss. Luis Barela's clutch 2-run homer (#20) gave them that 8th-inning lead before Chris Hetzel, who gave up 2 runs in the 7th to put them behind, put the leadoff man on and the Kevin Leonard (1-1) couldn't get anyone out as all five men he faced ended up scoring along with Hetzel's runner. As a result of Hetzel and Leonard's follies a fine start from Steve Morris at 6 4 1 1 1 4 was wasted. Game 4: Speaking of wasted, the Rays wasted an opportunity to gain ground on the Yankees when the bullpen failed once again and they ended up with a series split after a 3-2 loss. Like yesterday they went ahead in the 8th, going up 2-1 on Luis Barela's bases-loaded walk, but again things went awry in the bottom of the frame with the normally-reliable Steve Kay tagged for two runs, the first save he's blown this year. Jon Morales homered again in a losing cause with a solo shot (#13) and another good start was squandered as Jimmy Bernal went 5 4 1 1 4 0. Team record: 45-15, so after all that they remain 4 1/2 up on New York although at least 4 days came off the calendar. Next up: Back home for 3 vs Toronto. Last edited by Art Deco; 04-13-2023 at 10:11 AM.

04-13-2023, 09:57 PM	#2398
Art Deco Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2020 Posts: 7,595	The 2051 Amateur Draft Correa: Who Izzy? Correa is a top-notch high-school pitching prospect from Alabama who has ace potential according to the scouts. We'll see. Conyers: Our supplemental first-rounder for losing Greg Bookhart is a high school OF from that baseball hotbed of Utah who has off-the-charts power potential and a pretty good potential hit tool as well, so he could be special. Tafoya: Out of Oregon State, Tafoya could probably play passably in the bigs right now but could be so much more than passable in a couple of years. A potential elite all-around hitter who can play a decent third, Tafoya's issues are mainly around his attitude and personality as you can see on the right, so hopefully he can overcome those. Agudelo: A Texas high-school righty, Agudelo is projected to have outstanding stuff, but given the control and movement potential he's far from a sure thing. Seems like a future reliever to me but I'm prepared to be surprised. Jackson: This California prep 2B's best position looks to be "bat" as his fielding looks suspect but he might be an excellent hitter. Ortiz: The dreaded high school 1B, Ortiz hails from the Bay State and we'll see if he hits.

04-14-2023, 09:48 AM	#2399
Art Deco Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2020 Posts: 7,595	June 5-7, 2051: vs Toronto (3) Game 1: The Rays took a tidy 4-2 win over the Jays at Publix Park to open their 3-game series. Dave Rose (7-1) was dealing at 6 4 0 0 2 6 and thanks to some bullpen struggles Steve Talbott had to get a 4-out save, his 19th. Luis Barela was the offense, hitting a solo shot in the 2nd and a 3-run blast in the 5th (#22) to provide the winning margin. The future Hall-of-Famer also now taken over the MLB lead in RBI with 54. Game 2: Tampa Bay fell behind 5-0 in the 2nd inning but as those reading this dynasty will know 'tis nothing but a flesh wound and they came back to beat Toronto 9-7. The game was tied by the third thanks in part to Luis Barela's 2-run double, and his RBI single in the 7th made it 6-5. Alex Duran then added a 3-run homer (#10) in the 8th to cap a 4-RBI day and provide needed insurance when the bullpen gave up a pair in the 9th, necessitating Steve Talbott to get the final two outs for save #20. Rex Bransington had a rough start (3 4 5 5 3 4) and Willie Navarro picked up his 7th relief win already, tying him for the league lead. Alec McInerney made his return to the Rays with 3 scoreless innings. Game 3: The Rays completed the sweep thanks to a 6-2 win in the finale. A 2-run homer from Jon Morales (#14) and an Alex Duran solo shot (#11) gave them a 3-0 lead and after Toronto crept back within 3-2, 3 runs in the 8th gave them breathing room with Dantel Chinchilla's 2-run double the big hit. Chad Winger (6-3) was solid at 5 6 1 1 2 4 for the win. Team record: 48-15. We did gain a game on the Yankees to increase the division lead to 5 1/2. Next up: An off-day then a weekend in Oklahoma City.

04-15-2023, 09:44 AM	#2400
Art Deco Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2020 Posts: 7,595	June 9-11, 2051: at Oklahoma City (3) Finally imported this save into OOTP24, knew it would take hours with 30+ seasons behind it. Game 1: Steve Morris' good run continued and the Rays took the opener from the Sunbirds 4-2. The lefty improved to 7-2 after going 6 6 2 2 1 2, has allowed only 4 runs over his last 3 starts, and holds off Alec McInerney for at least another rotation turn. Steve Talbott finished up for save #21. Ruben Ramirez led the offense, going 3-4 with an RBI as the Rays got the better of former teammate Brad Mabe. Game 2: It was the Jon Morales show as the 2049 MVP & Rookie of the Year hit a 2-run homer in the 6th to tie the game and then a 3-run shot in the 9th (#16) to give Tampa Bay a 6-3 win over Oklahoma City. Juan Davila was on base for both of those Morales homers as he was 4-5 on the day. Jimmy Bernal turned in a pedestrian start at 5 7 3 3 0 1 but the pen was on point with Mel Mejia (4-0) picking up the win and Steve Talbott saving again with his 22nd as he seems to be over his early-season yips. Game 3: The Rays completed the sweep and made it 6 straight wins with an 8-3 decision over the Sunbirds. Dave Rose (8-1) was dealing and took a shutout into the 8th before giving up 3 runs and finishing 7.1 6 3 3 1 8. He now leads the AL in wins. Steve Kay recorded save #5 by getting Rose out of the 8th and staying on in the 9th after the Rays put 3 more on the board in the top of the inning. Alex Duran had a 2-run homer (#12) while Juan Viatoro and Beau Bonczek each knocked in a pair. Juan Davila had 3 more hits to go with his 4 from the day before, tripled and drove in a run. Team record: 51-15. The Yankees are playing good baseball again, but winning 2 of 3 put them one game farther back at 6 1/2. Next up: off to Fenway for 3 games against the Red Sox.