Tuesday, 4 a.m.
You could call him an overnight sensation, but man, were those nights long ones.
Jake Mangum, who spent a lifetime in the minor leagues, became an instant fan favorite in Monday night’s 6-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Mangum, who played 432 games over five years in the minor leagues, showed Tuesday that he doesn’t want to go back. Mangum, 29, was four-for-four with two RBI and two stolen bases for the Rays in his second major league game.
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The Rays had their fourth straight solid start, this time from Drew Rasmussen, who threw five shutout innings and allowed just two hits. So far this season, the Rays starting staff has thrown 23 innings and has allowed just four earned runs, largely the reason the Rays have begun the season 3-1.
Rays’ starters have struck out 26 and walked just one.
Manny Rodriguez got his first save by working the ninth.
Jonathan Aranda also had two hits for the Rays.
The Rays and Pirates play again tonight at 7:05 at Steinbrenner Field. Shane Baz will start for the Rays. The Pirates have not announced their starter.