Tampa Bay Rays News and Links: 15 Innings Later

Yesterday afternoon and night, the Tampa Bay Rays and Minnesota Twins engaged in a 15 inning affair as they played the series finale of their three game set. The two teams had several opportunities to break things open and win the game, but it wasn’t until Evan Longoria and Logan Morrison went back-to-back in the 15th inning when the deciding runs were scored.

The Rays used eight pitchers, including tonight’s starting pitcher Erasmo Ramirez, who ultimately closed out the game. However, despite him pitching last night, Kevin Cash said the plan is still to go with Erasmo as tonight’s starter.

The Rays series victory over the Twins improved their record to 27-26 and now with the Orioles stuck in a seven game losing skid, the Rays are just a half game out of the second wild card spot in the AL.

• More on Erasmo Ramirez starting tonight, plus who will be available out of the bullpen
• Tonight, the Rays will begin a three game series with the Texas Rangers at the Ballpark in Arlington with Martin Perez taking the mound for Texas
• A high school soft ball pitcher delivered a perfect game, striking out all 21 batters that dared to step up to the plate