Rays 3, Marlins 2: in which I have Feelings

I came into this game fully expected a mailed in, hangover game. That … didn’t happen. What did happen was Shane Baz, in just his second big league start, gave everyone the vapors flashbacks to 2011 Matt Moore.

It started with Shane Baz undressing Miami in the top of the first, striking out the side in order on 15 pitches.

A 97 mph, well located heater, nasty curves and sliders, even the occasional change up, it was clear from jump street that Baz had it all going on.

On the other side, the Marlins sent out the super talented but also hot mess Jesús Luzardo. The Rays jumped on him early, not chasing pitches that were out of the zone and hitting hard pitches that were in the zone.

It started with a walk by Margot, then a double by Franco (extending his on base streak to 41 if you care about that sort of thing).

A sac fly by Cruz got the first run in. Then, after a walk by Arozarena, the Rays got another sac fly, this time by Yandy Diaz. 2-0 Rays.

Shane set down the side in order again in the second, this time on two pop outs and another strikeout.

Baz racked up two Ks in the 3rd inning, giving him six the first time though the order.

Oh my…

In the fourth, Jazz Chisholm broke up the perfect game with a single through the middle.

But Baz set down the next three with no further damage.

Baz notched a couple more strikeouts in the fifth, while stranding Joe Panik after he collected the Marlins second single of the game.

With two outs in the bottom of the fifth against new Marlins pitcher Zack (Zach? Zak? I dunno I’m not looking it up) Pop, Wander Franco tripled up the left-center field alley, and his hammy looked great as he flew around the bases.

Nelson Cruz rewarded the hustle by singling him home.

3-0 Rays!

Baz got the chance to start the sixth, but a hustle double by Chisholm, a wild pitch, and a walk ensured he couldn’t finish. His line: 5.2 innings, 0 runs, 3 hits, 9 strikeouts, 1 walk. He received a loud ovation from the loud and raucous crowd on his way off the field.

With runners on the corners, it was Chargois, who retired Brinson on one pitch.

In the seventh, Chargois retired the first two hitters before his day was undone by back to back automatic doubles and a hit batsman.

But Fleming bailed him out by coaxing a one pitch ground out from Chisholm.

3-1 Rays.

Fleming went back out a pitched a brisk eighth, looking quite comfy in his new role.

Nick Anderson got the ninth

and gave up a bomb to Diaz on a 3-2 middle middle pedestrian fastball.

He continued to throw pretty meh pitches the rest of the inning, but the Marlins got themselves out.

Rays win!