Thursday, 4 a.m.
Remember that long search the Tampa Bay Rays made for a left-handed power hitter in the off-season?
Maye, just maybe, he was here all the time.
Luke Raley, who hit just one home run a year ago (and hit .197 overall), said hello to the season Monday night. He hit two home runs, and drove in three, to lead the Rays to a 6-2 win over the Washington Nationals.
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“He had a big day," said Rays' manager Kevin Cash. " I know the other day, he was frustrated against Detroit. (He had) a couple of opportunities with guys on base. It’s a long season and he certainly made up for it. He got us going early on with a home run."
The Rays are now 4-0 for the first time in franchise history.
Raley's night was so impressive it overshadowed yet another stellar pitching performance by the Rays. Starter Drew Rasmussen allowed just two hits and no runs in six innings. Of 66 pitches, he threw 50 for strikes.
So far, the Rays have outscored the opposition 37-5. Only one of those runs has come against a Rays' starter.
Isaac Paredes also homered for the Rays. Both Franky Mejia and Manuel Margot drove in runs with sacrifice flies.
The Rays play against Washington again tonight at 7:05 p.m. Josh Fleming will start for the Rays against Chad Kohl.