Every so often a blind squirrel finds a nut and the Rays bullpen did just that this evening tossing three scoreless innings to lock down a 7-1 victory over the Minnesota Twins. However, the real story on the frigid Saturday night was the performance turned in by Steven Matz, who picked up his second win of the season. The 34-year-old right-hander tossed six strong innings, striking out eight in the process while only allowing one run.
After Matz tossed a scoreless bottom half of the first, the Rays
offense jumped out to a 3-0 lead. With the bases loaded and one down, Yandy Diaz took a pitch off the forearm and drove in a run the painful way. Jonathan Aranda quickly followed with a two-RBI double to extend the lead and give Matz some breathing room.
The Twins got a run back in the bottom of the third, but the Rays had an answer and reclaimed a three-run lead the very next inning. Following a scoreless fourth, the Rays tacked on two more runs in the fifth thanks to some production from the bottom half of the order. Mullins got things started with a leadoff single and then stole second. Williamson drove him home with a RBI-single and then also stole second. Feduccia picked up a RBI-single of his own, driving in Williamson, to make it a 6-1 game.
In the eighth inning, Yandy Diaz stayed hot at the plate and tripled home Richie Palacios on a ball scorched to right-center and bounced out of James Outman’s glove. The 7-1 score would hold and the Rays secured their third win of the season.
The Rays got back to doing what they do best and that is pitching well, stealing bases, and playing good defense. I’m willing to overlook the slight mishap in center by Mullins as the play prior he made a splendid diving catch. On the bases, the Rays stole four bags. Prior to tonight, they had only stolen two over the first seven games. As mentioned prior, Matz was solid. He changed speeds, avoided free passes (only allowed one walk), and limited hard contact. The bullpen also turned in a scoreless effort, which is sure to put a smile on Kevin Cash’s face. Sulser threw two innings following Matz and struck out three while walking a pair. Englert followed and tossed a quick ninth to close the door.
