Saturday, 4 a.m.
There are times they look like a ballclub.
There are times when the starting pitching is sturdy, when the relief pitching plays its role, when there is enough hitting.
On such nights, the Rays seem to make sense. They hint there are nights when they can compete. On such nights. even the rich kids can beware.
The Rays held on to beat the first-place New York Yankees Friday night at Tropicana Field, 3-2. The Rays put together nine hits (and five walks) offensively, and relied on starting pitcher Steven Matz, who ran his record to 3-0 with the win.
Matz gave up only two hits through five hits. He struck out seven.
Four Rays relievers held the Yankees to one run. Bryan Baker recorded his second save. As a staff, the Rays had 12 strikeouts.
Yandy Diaz had two hits, including his third home run of the season. Catcher Nick Fortes also had two hits.
The Rays are at the Trop again tonight (6:10 p.m.). Nick Martinez will pitch for the Rays against Max Fried.