Tampa Bay Rays News and Links: Durham Bulls are the Triple-A Champions

Last night, the Tampa Bay Rays were defeated by the Chicago Cubs, thanks to a solid performance from former Rays prospect, Mike Montgomery, who held the Rays hitless until Brad Miller launched a solo home run in the sixth inning.

That’d be all the scoring for the Rays through, and actually all the hitting too as Miller’s HR would be their only hit of the night. Actually the first time in franchise history they accomplished that feat.

Chris Archer returned back to form somewhat as he held the Cubs to two runs on four hits, while he walked one and struck out six over six innings pitched and the bullpen continued their strong run to end the season with three more scoreless innings. The Rays have now lost eight of their last 11 games.

Following the game, Chris Archer sounded off on his displeasure of the home crowd feeling like they were 25,000 Cubs fans out there.

In good Rays news, the Durham Bulls are the Triple-A National Champions.

Ryan Yarbrough received a quick hook, and the five pitchers that followed would deliver solid performances with Brent Honeywell providing close to three scoreless innings to record the victory. The offense became the Kean Wong show as he went 3-4 with a clutch grand slam that gave the Bulls a lead they’d never lose as they defeat the Memphis Redbirds, 5-3.

• Baseball America’s recap of the Triple-A Championship game
• The Bulls celebrating

• Meanwhile, following the game, the Rays announced they’d be activating Xavier Cedeno from the 60-day DL and recalling Daniel Robertson and Chih-Wei Hu from Triple-A. A corresponding move will be announced following today’s game to clear a spot on the 40-man roster.
• Joe Maddon made his return to the Trop for the first time since departing following the conclusion of the 2014 season, the Rays paid tribute to him in his return.