Freshly-shaved Luke Scott had a big day. Playing right field for the first time this spring, the former wolverine walked, doubled, and broke a 2-2 tie with a massive grand slam home run that cleared the scoreboard in right center at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland, Tuesday, helping the Rays to an 11-5 victory over the Detroit Tigers.
Jeremy Hellickson also shined, throwing 83 pitches over six innings of work after allowing three runs early. Maddon praised Hellickson's outing, calling it "by far" his best offering of the Spring. Hellickson allowed two runs in the first after Torii Hunter tripled and Miguel Cabrera and Victor Martinez each singled, but he settled down, retiring eight Tigers hitters in a row after allowing a run in the second. Hellboy finished with three strikeouts and zero walks allowed.
Playing in his first game since returning from the World Baseball Classic, Ben Zobrist started at shortstop and went hitless in 4 at bats. Matt Joyce and Desmond Jennings both had solid games, each scoring twice on a hit and a walk. Shelly Duncan hit his fourth homer of the Spring.
Tonight, the Rays will head to Fort Myers to take on the Minnesota Twins under the lights with many of the regulars expected to be in the lineup.
- The Dominican Republic won their first World Baseball Classic title last night, defeating Puerto Rico 3-0. Rays closer Fernando Rodney made his eight appearance, shutting the door in the 9th and shooting the moon with his trademark bow and arrow celebration. Rodney also credited his new lucky charm, a "Magic Plantain" that he had flown in before the final round.
- Speaking of the Dominican Republic, they showed America their passion and MLB could learn from them, says FOX Sports' John Morosi.
- A lot of analysts are down on the Yankees, and rightfully so with their age and rash of injuries this spring. Ken Rosenthal thinks they still have the time and flexibility to "get themselves out of jail"