The Tampa Bay Rays offense placed an explanation point on the series routing the Phillies 10-4 in the series finale Thursday evening at The Trop. The Rays fell behind 4-0 after the top of the first but big bats wielded by Ben Zobrist and Willy Aybar leveled the score and the Rays never looked back. Zobrist hit a 2 run rocket into the LF seats to pull the Rays to within 1 at the close of the first inning. Aybar hit a ball on the rope right into the left field fair pole to tie the game in the bottom of the 2nd. The Rays bashed Phillie pitching for 15 total hits and collected 8 free passes! Out of the 15 hits 8 were for extra bases including double by Carlos Pena, Gabe Kapler, 2 by Carl Crawford and Pat Burrell. Gabe Gross chipped into the shenanigans with a nice gap triple. This was a great game for these guys, a nice statement!
SP Andy Sonnanstine knew he was pitching to most likely stay in the bigs. SP Scott Kazmir is due off the DL this weekend and a move (actually 2 with the return set for Chad Bradford as well) will have to be made. He came out in the first inning and it was tragic. The score was 3-0 before the first out was recorded. Sitting in the stands I had to listen to the obnoxious Phillie fans screaming behind me….Ugggg. I was less than happy as were the Ray fans around me. After Sonny cleared the first inning he was absolutely shut down the rest of the game! What an amazing turn around! He lasted 5 1/3 innings scattering 6 hits (most all in the 1st inning), 4 ER and 1 free pass while striking out 7 Phils! This really showed me something about this guy. He is very professional and composed no matter what’s happening on that mound. He can let go of his mistakes and move forward for a better result. That being said it will probably still be Sonny sent to AAA as he is the guy with options left…..
Great game! Great Series! Look Ray fans get to The Trop!!!!!!!!!!!!! You are missing the most dynamic, exciting show on turf!
