If only these games really counted...
Despite the heavy dose of American League East games, the Rays just keep on winning. The boys defeated ALE rival, Baltimore 8-3 this afternoon, and own a six game winning streak. It may not mean anything come April 6th, but winning is always good for moral.
Jeff NIemann became the first Rays pitcher to toss four innings this spring. The Big NyQuil allowed a home run and a single over his four innings while striking out two batters. NIemann did a fine job of getting ground balls with a 7:3 groundball to flyball ratio.
Jeremy Hellickson made another appearance and did not disappoint. Of course, it toward the end of the game against players wearing jersey numbers in the mid-sixties, but Hellickson faced four batters and struck out all four. His ticket to Durham is all but punched, however, the young righty has only added to his preseason hype.
Offensively, Sean Rodriguez added another extra-base hit (double) and stole a bag. Carl Crawford also stole a base while Evan Longoria drove in two runs. Reid Brignac, Rodriguez' main competition, continues to impress, and is swinging the bat like he's in back in the California League.
On to the next one...