Saturday. 2 a.m.
It was a simple request, really. Even in the early stages of a baseball game, it wasn't a lot to ask of Josh Lowe
"Just don't make me look stupid for batting you fourth," Cash asked.
Lowe might have suggested that was beyond his power. After all, Lowe was hitting .170 with no home runs before Cash told him he was hitting cleanup against Minnesota Friday.
Content beyond this point is for members only.
Already a member? To view the rest of this column, sign in using the handy "Sign In" button located in the upper right corner of the GarySheltonSports.com blog (it's at the far right of the navigation bar under Gary's photo)!
Not a member? It's easy to subscribe so you can view the rest of this column and all other premium content on GarySheltonSports.com.
As these things happen, of course, Lowe hit the first pitch he saw 418 feet for a three-run homer that led the Rays to a 6-1 victory that ran their record to 12-8.
"This game can rattle your comfidence a little bit with early lack of success," Cash said. "He was so good for us last year. You want all young guys to get off to good start, but it normally doesn't happen that way. He as ready to hit in that moment."
The Rays got a strong pitching performance from starter Corey Kluber, who threw six innings and allowed just one hit. He struck out six.
The Rays play Minnesota again today at 3:30 p.m. at Tropicana Field. Shane McClanahan will start for the Rays against former Tampa Bay pitcher Chris Archer.