The Tampa Bay Rays were victorious last night, taking their first series victory in what has turned out to be a disastrous June. They defeated the Toronto Blue Jays, 4-1, behind a strong pitching performance of six pitchers who combined to allow a run on five hits.

Ryne Stanek served as ‘The Opener’ and pitched two scoreless innings, picking up two strikeouts. Austin Pruitt bridged the game to the back end of the bullpen as he completed nearly three innings of work, allowing the lone Toronto run. Jonny Venters, Jose Alvarado, Chaz Roe, and Sergio Romo would finish things out for the Rays.

On the offensive side of the things, the prospects were on the prowl once again for the Rays as Jake Bauers had a single in four trips to the plate, and drew another walk. Willy Adames socked his first career double in the majors as a part of a two hit day.

Wilson Ramos provided the big blow, a two run home run in the 4th inning, while Joey Wendle and Mallex Smith plated the other two runs for the Rays.

Toronto and Tampa Bay will wrap up their three game series today at the Trop in an afternoon game with Wilmer Font taking the mound for the Rays. He will be opposed by J.A. Happ with the first pitch set for 1:05 p.m.

Rays Links

• The Rays signed their first selection in the 2018 draft, Matthew Liberatore. He has been assigned to the Gulf Coast League Rays

• Bleacher Report has a write up on Brendan McKay, with dialogue from several members of the Rays organization and McKay himself
• Jake Faria is responsible for the slowest pitch of the season thus far, it was when his cleat got stuck and he was forced to lob a pitch halfway to home
• What does it take to get your first home run ball back? Steve Carney asked several Rays how they went about retrieving their milestone ball.
• The Rays and Chris Archer are slowing his return from an abdominal strain as the team’s ace felt discomfort
• The first update in the All-Star voting was released with Wilson Ramos thus far being the lone Rays representative to appear. He is just behind Gary Sanchez in the catcher voting.
• The Rays Wives will be cycling for charity on June 30th with 100% of the proceeds benefitting CASA St Petersburg

Around the League

• The Baltimore Orioles have activated Zach Britton from the disabled list
• Speaking of the Orioles, there has been significant interest in Manny Machado...obviously
• Mike Trout remains incredible
• Miguel Cabrera will miss the rest of the season after rupturing his bicep
• Bryce Harper did not have a very fun 48 hours
• Braves superstar prospect, Ronald Acuna, is nearing his return
• Carson Smith, who injured himself as he threw his glove down in anger, will miss the rest of the year