Friday, 4 a.m.
When they are good, and admittedly, it is not often enough, it is because of them. The guys in the bullpen, each taking a nibble out of success.
On days such as Thursday, they come at an opponent in waves, darting, dodging, taking advantage of matchups until the other team is shaking its head.
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It is those days that the Rays are at their best, making a narrow lead hold up, finding a way to win when the hitting is off.
Thursday’s 5-2 win over the Cleveland Guardians was such a day. The Rays’ bullpen went seven innings, allowing just one hit and no runs. The Rays, down 2-0 early, stopped Cleveland effectively enough for that team to come back.
Ryan Pepiot struggled early, giving up four hits and two runs in two innings. But then came Cole Sulser (three innings), Mason Montgomery (one), Garrett Cleavinger (one), Manny Rodriguez (one) and Richard Lovelady (one). Together, they struck out eight.
The Rays got runs on a homer by Brandon Lowe, a sacrifice fly from Jonathan Aranda, a single by Jonny DeLuca, a single by Jose Caballero and and a sacrifice fly from Logan Driscoll.
Yandy Diaz and Caballero each had two hits.
The Rays and Guardians play today at 7:10 p.m. Zack Littell will start for Tampa Bay against Tanner Bibee.