The Rays’ latest win left the team tied for best start of season in MLB history.
Courtesy of Tampa Bay Rays
By Brandi Bottger
The Tampa Bay Rays had an incredible start to their season, setting a franchise record for most wins at the start of the season and tying the MLB record for the best start to a season, winning their first 13 games.
It’s the first time in 20 years that the Tampa Bay Rays have begun their season this strong. The Rays hit a total of 30 home runs and scored over 90 runs total in their first 13 games.
“When you’re rolling as a team, you just keep it going. You don’t question anything,” second baseman Brandon Lowe, who has scored two home runs and one grand slam this season, said in a post-game interview.
“I kind of felt like, at any given moment, someone can knock one out of the ballpark,” said Kevin Cash, manager of the Tampa Bay Rays, in a post-game interview.
In their April 13 game against the Boston Red Sox, the Rays secured their thirteenth win, although they trailed behind 3-1 in the fifth inning. It wasn’t until Harold Ramírez hit a double off Red Sox’s pitcher Corey Kluber, allowing players Randy Arozarena, Wander Franco and Manuel Margot to score, bringing the game to 3-4.
The team also gives credit to their pitchers. “It just shows how unbelievable our pitchers really are,” said Lowe in an article published by ESPN.
On opening day, University of South Florida alumni Shane McClanahan was named the starting pitcher for the game against the Detroit Tigers. McClanahan pitched six sharp innings, allowing zero runs for the Tigers.
“He was really good. I thought he threw a couple of errant fastballs up, but you would expect that on opening day. But he was able to harness it and get it back in the zone and made a lot of really good quality pitches and gave us a start that we will never complain about. Six innings, no runs, we’ll sign up for it every night,” said Cash in a press conference following the game.
With 14-2, the Rays remain No. 1 overall in the MLB rankings and No. 1 in the American League.
This season, the Rays have given plenty of opportunities for fans to experience the team in action, with a $10 ticket promo and beverage specials over the weekend. But college students can also attend the games at a special price.
USF students have the opportunity to purchase tickets for only $10. Students must provide their USF email and are eligible up to four tickets per game, per account. Tickets are valid for Monday-Thursday games only.
