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Last night, the Rays won in the old fashioned Rays way as they combined stellar pitching, solid defense, and timely hitting to pave the way for a 3-1 victory over Pittsburgh.
Facing off against what could be the Pittsburgh Pirates opening day lineup, Jake Odorizzi was masterful, pitching an out into the seventh inning before giving way to the bullpen. The only blemish on his night was a solo home run courtesy of David Freese leading off the sixth inning. Other than that, Odorizzi only allowed five hits, struck out six, and walked two over six plus innings of work.
Dana Eveland and Ryan Garton also pitched great in their relief appearances as they combined to strike out six Pirates over two plus perfect frames.
On the offensive side, Steven Souza laced a two out, two run double in the second to open up the scoring. Then in the fourth, making a rare spring start, Christian Toribio launched a solo home run off of Liriano to make it 3-0.
An odd thing happened during the final innings, as a fan rushed the field and threw a couple of bottles in the Rays dugout before Jim Hickey and Charlie Montoya were able to restrain him until security arrived.
Fan got on field, #Rays 3B coach Montoyo grabbed him and held him till cops got him
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) March 27, 2016
Fan who ran on field threw beer into #Rays dugout, was yelling in Spanish about team going to Cuba. Was arrested
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) March 27, 2016
#Rays Motter said fan threw aluminum beer bottle and Pepsi bottle, one exploded on back of dugout wall: "We had to duck and weave a bit."
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) March 27, 2016
Bradenton police say fan who ran by #Rays dugout was arrested, charged with trespassing and starting a fray (kind of disorderly intox)
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) March 27, 2016
Links!
- A popular trade target speculation player has suffered a major injury, as Will Smith tore a ligament in his knee attempting to take off his show.
- The Process Report continued their player card series for the upcoming season with Logan Morrison.
- The Rays defense has massively improved since the start of spring.