Rays' Eflin Shines, Leads Team to Fifth Straight Win

Rays’ Eflin Shines, Leads Team to Fifth Straight Win

Tampa Bay Rays’ Zach Eflin delivered a stellar performance on Tuesday night, leading his team to a 5-1 victory over the Chicago White Sox. Eflin’s seven-inning outing saw him surrender only one run on six hits, showcasing his dominance on the mound.

The Rays’ offense provided ample support, with Randy Arozarena and Isaac Paredes contributing home runs. Arozarena’s two-run homer in the third inning gave Tampa Bay a 4-0 lead, while Paredes’ solo shot in the sixth extended the advantage to 5-0.

Eflin’s composure under pressure was evident in the fifth inning when he escaped a bases-loaded jam with a flyball from Gavin Sheets. He also retired Sheets on a grounder with two on and two outs in the seventh, further demonstrating his ability to navigate difficult situations.

The White Sox, who have struggled throughout the season, were unable to mount a significant challenge against Eflin. Paul DeJong’s solo homer in the seventh inning was their only offensive highlight.

Michael Soroka, the White Sox starter, allowed four runs on three hits and four walks over five innings. Brad Keller, who relieved Soroka, surrendered Paredes’ home run in the sixth.

The Rays’ victory marked their fifth consecutive win, improving their record to 19-18. The White Sox, on the other hand, dropped to 20 games under .500, equaling their season low.

Blake Snell Struggles in Return to Tropicana Field, Giants Fall to Rays

Blake Snell Struggles in Return to Tropicana Field, Giants Fall to Rays

Blake Snell’s return to Tropicana Field as a member of the San Francisco Giants was a disappointing one, as the two-time Cy Young Award winner struggled mightily against his former team, the Tampa Bay Rays. Snell allowed seven runs over four innings, including a pair of home runs, in a 9-4 loss.

Amed Rosario opened the scoring with a two-run homer in the first inning, and René Pinto added a three-run drive in the fourth. Pinto, who had just two hits and nine strikeouts in his previous 13 at-bats, made Snell pay for his mistakes.

Snell, who signed a $62 million, two-year contract with the Giants in the offseason, gave up six hits, two walks, and struck out four. He threw 48 of 78 pitches for strikes.

“I got to get better. I just go to locate pitches better,” Snell said. “I get mad when I don’t do good. Bad location. I’ll get better results, but until then nothing’s going change until I start commanding.”

The seven earned runs tied Snell’s career high, and only one San Francisco starter gave up more than seven earned runs last season.

“I think the guys had patience today,” Rosario said through a translator. “I think they had the plan and I think we executed it right, and did what we wanted to do.”

Snell, who won his first Cy Young with the Rays in 2018, said he felt no emotions returning to Tropicana Field.

“I already went through that,” he said.

Giants manager Bob Melvin said he believes Snell is still adjusting to his new team.

“He’ll give up some walks and get nicked up a little bit but it’s rare that you see him get hit like that and I think that’s just more kind of still feeling his way,” Melvin said.

Snell will look to bounce back in his next start, which is scheduled for Saturday against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Giants Crush Rays 11-2, End Home Run Drought

Giants Crush Rays 11-2, End Home Run Drought

The San Francisco Giants snapped their seven-game home run drought in emphatic fashion, crushing the Tampa Bay Rays 11-2 on Saturday at Tropicana Field. Logan Webb, the 2023 NL Cy Young Award runner-up, was dominant on the mound, allowing just one run on six hits over seven innings.

Thairo Estrada led the Giants’ offensive onslaught with two solo home runs, while LaMonte Wade Jr., Jorge Soler, and Matt Chapman also went deep. Wade’s two-run shot in the fifth inning gave San Francisco a 4-1 lead, and the Giants never looked back.

The Rays’ bullpen, which entered the game with the AL’s highest ERA, struggled once again. Chris Devenski allowed three runs in the sixth inning, and Michael Conforto’s RBI double in the first gave the Giants an early lead.

Tampa Bay’s only run came on Yandy Díaz’s double-play grounder in the third inning. Ben Rortvedt, who pitched the final two innings for the Rays, allowed one run and three hits.

The Giants’ victory was their second in a row after dropping the series opener on Friday. They will face the Rays again on Sunday, with Blake Snell taking the mound for San Francisco. Snell won the first of his two Cy Young Awards with Tampa Bay in 2018.

Rodón's Struggles Continue as Yankees Fall to Rays

Rodón’s Struggles Continue as Yankees Fall to Rays

Carlos Rodón’s struggles continued on Wednesday as he surrendered two more homers in the New York Yankees’ 4-3 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays. The AL batting champion, Yandy Díaz, greeted Rodón with a first-pitch homer, while Richie Palocios launched a two-run drive off his final offering. Rodón’s outing ended after 3+ innings, allowing three runs on five hits.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone acknowledged Rodón’s lackluster fastball velocity, but praised his performance between the first and last pitches. Rodón’s injury-plagued 2023 season saw him post a 3-8 record with a 6.85 ERA. He is now in the second year of a six-year, $162 million contract.

Rodón expressed his frustration with his inability to stay healthy, emphasizing that he is a formidable pitcher when fit. His recent simulated game resulted in four homers allowed to Yankees minor leaguers, while his other spring training start yielded a solo homer.

Alex Verdugo returned to the Yankees lineup after recovering from a bruised leg, but struck out in all three at-bats. Reliever Tommy Kahnle, hampered by a shoulder injury, indicated that he may not be ready for opening day and could start rehab games in the first week of the regular season.

Meanwhile, Shohei Ohtani continued his impressive spring training performance for the Los Angeles Dodgers, going 2 for 2 with a walk against the Chicago White Sox. The Japanese star has recorded seven RBIs in 12 at-bats so far.

Lucas Giolito of the Boston Red Sox will seek a second opinion on his ailing right elbow in Alabama. Manager Alex Cora revealed that Giolito will consult with Dr. Jeffrey R. Dugas to explore treatment options, including surgery.

Cody Bellinger made his spring training debut for the Chicago Cubs, drawing a walk in three plate appearances. Eddie Rosario has agreed to a minor league contract with the Washington Nationals, pending a physical exam.

Brandon Lowe of the Tampa Bay Rays is focused on staying healthy after two injury-marred seasons. Dylan Crews, the Nationals’ No. 2 overall pick, hit his first spring training homer against the Miami Marlins. Adolis García homered in his first Cactus League appearance for the Texas Rangers.

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