:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46095882/GettyImages-495477071.0.jpg)
After a extra inning affair yesterday in which the Rays mounted a miraculous comeback, followed by allowing a crushing run that was immediately succeeded by yet another Rays comeback, only for them to suffer a walkoff loss in the 10th inning... I'm exhausted.
Still, it inspires confidence that this team won't give up even after being down by several runs late in the game. It also completely justifies last year's ridiculous engagement with the Red Sox over Yunel Escobar taking 3rd with a five run lead.
Also during yesterday's game, both Mikie Mahtook and Matt Andriese made their major league debuts making them the first Rays duo to do so on the same day since Akinori Iwamura and Elijah Dukes made their's back on opening day, 2007.
Today, the Rays will play the 2nd game of the series against the Marlins, with the first pitch scheduled for 4:10. They have Chris Archer going to the mound and he'll be opposed by Jared Cosart, who completely dominated the Rays in his major league debut back in July of 2013. He's only given up three runs in 24 innings pitched against Tampa Bay.
After a long bullpen day yesterday in which the Rays used 21 players (8 pitchers), hopefully Archer can pitch deep into the game for Kevin Cash. Last year against the Marlins, Archer was a victim of having a poor offense behind him as he was the loser of a game that the Rays lost 1-0, as Archer walked in the only run of the game.
Here's today's lineup:
Lineups #Marlins and #Rays pic.twitter.com/2sPr0ImXY7
— Joe Frisaro (@JoeFrisaro) April 11, 2015
The Rays are sending out virtually the same lineup as yesterday, simply replacing Rene Rivera with Bobby Wilson (who is making his first Rays start after a clutch hit in yesterday's game).
In other Rays news, Alex Colome will make his first rehab start tonight with the Stone Crabs, Drew Smyly will make his 2nd start on Tuesday. Additionally, Nick Franklin is ahead of schedule with his oblique and could play in some extended spring training games soon.
Go Rays!