On Friday night, the Tampa Bay Rays had an offensive-heavy night, putting up seven runs on the board. It was the fifth straight win for Tampa and the third of the season for Shane McClanahan. The Rays still remain two and a half games back of the Red Sox in the AL East, but their lead over the rest of the division continues to grow.
Pitching
Tampa’s pitching was very good in this one, giving up one run over nine innings pitched. In the last three games, Tampa Bay has given up only two runs over 27 innings pitched. On Friday, it was the rookie McClanahan who got the starting nod for Tampa. McClanahan went four innings, giving up one run on four hits while striking out five. It was up to the bullpen to control the rest of the game, and they did just that, shutting out the Blue Jays through five innings.
Speaking of the Blue Jays, they struggled to pitch well, giving up seven runs to Tampa. Alek Manoah started for Toronto, earning his first-career loss (2-1). Manoah allowed three runs (two earned) on three hits and three walks over 3.2 innings. The 23-year-old also struck out nine batters.
Offense
While the Rays put up seven runs, they struck out sixteen times and hit no home runs. However, five walks and two hit batters helped them parlay their eight hits into several crooked number innings.
Other Notes
- Manoah fanned nine Rays’ to become the fastest new Blue Jay to 50 K’s (taking just eight games). He also tied another mark with 25 K’s in a three-start span, the most by a rookie since Jose Nunez in July of 1987.
- Toronto loaded the bases in the first and couldn’t score.
- Wander Franco, known throughout his minor league career as the guy who never strikes out, struck out four times in one of his most frustrating major league performances.
- Right after the game on Friday night, Joey Wendle was named to the AL All-Star team as a replacement.
Next Up
The Rays will continue their three-game set against Toronto on Saturday. Ryan Yarbrough is scheduled to start for Tampa Bay, while Ross Stripling will get the nod for Toronto. First pitch is scheduled for 1:10 PM EST in St. Petersburg.