Tampa Bay Rays News and Links: Evan Longoria Hits Second Homer of Spring

The Rays took their sixth decision in a row as they have either won or tied their previous seven games. Everything went right for them last night in their 6-2 victory over the Yankees and received support from several key contributors.

Evan Longoria initiated the attack with a solo home run in the first. Up to this point in the spring, the Rays have had 17 home runs hit by 17 different players, Longoria's make him the first with more than one. Corey Dickerson came mighty close to joining him, but not in the way that wold be expected as a failed diving catch attempt, allowed a ball he struck to roll for a long time. Dickerson was rounding third, but was held up just as the ball reentered the infield.

That was Dickerson's lone hit, who also joined by Logan Morrison, Desmond Jennings, Kevin Kiermaier, Rene Rivera, and Longoria in the single hit club. Steve Pearce would lead the way with a three for four performance. Meanwhile, the favorite to win the final spot on the roster, Tim Beckham, left the game after being hit by a pitch, although it's not being considered anything to worry about.

.@RaysBaseball infielder @T_Beckham22 says he isn't worried about his status after he was hit by a pitch Thursday.https://t.co/yWUT4dnYtp

— FOX Sports Florida (@FOXSportsFL) March 25, 2016

On the pitching side, Matt Andriese delivered three solid innings, giving up a lone run. Enny Romero continued his impressive spring, striking out three of the four hitters he faced. Danny Farquhar gave up two hits, but also struck two in his almost two innings of work. Steve Geltz gave up a run during his inning, and then Andrew Bellatti closed out the game with two solid innings.

Links!

- Instead of pitching against the Yankees last night, Chris Archer instead dominated some poor minor leaguers.

- Patrick Leonard was off to a slow start last, then he began a pregame routine that seemed to work.

- The heart breaking tale of those left behind and affected by Tommy Hanson's tragic passing.

- Yoenis Cespedes allowed an inside-the-park home run...due to reasons.

- Right now, the Angels plan on having Daniel Nava be their starting left fielder, while the Rays have a surplus of quality outfielders.