Rays’ outfield goes deep against Tigers

by Gary Shelton on May 18, 2022

in general

Tuesday, 3 a.m.

For a night, they were sluggers. For a night, they made infielders nervous.

They are the outfield of the Tampa Bay Rays, normally a light-hitting bunch (now that Manuel Margot is injured) who try to make it through on defense and timely plays.

Ah, but in Monday night's 8-1 drubbing of Detroit, the trio of Kevin Kiermaier, Randy Arozarena and Brett Phillips played like they were in line for a bat endorsement.




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Together, the trio hit three homers, knocked in six runs, scored five runs and had five hits.

Consider:

-- Kiermaier, who entered the game hitting .174, had three hits, including a home run.

-- Arozarena, who came in hitting .228 wtih one homer, had a home run and a diving catch.

-- Phillips, who came in hitting .185, hit a home run, reached on an error and had a sacrifice fly.

Together, the three led an 11-hit attack. It was plenty for starter Shane McClanahan, who gave up just four hits and a run in seven innings.

“(The offense) was really good to see," Rays' manager Kevin Cash said. "We’ve had a couple of quiet nights. We got Shane some runs early runs which was encouraging. It felt like the whole lineup contributed in one way or another."

Said Kiermaier:  "I know Manny has been killing it, but the rest of us know we can play better. It’s that chasing success or getting locked in that’s makes this game so beautiful. We have each other’s backs."

McClanahan won his third game of the season.

"He’s been really special for us," Cash said. "I don’t really know how to describe it. He continues to find that consistenxy and rhythm to manage his workload. There weren’t many jams but  when a guy got on base, he attacked the strike zone with all his pitches and give us every opportunity."

Said Kiermaier: “He’s elite. I don’t know any other starting pitcher on the mound I want for me. He is nasty. The baseball world is starting to know who he is. He’s incredible.  He’s as locked in as I’ve ever seen him. He’s one of the best pitchers in the league. Watch him, it is greatness happening. He’s going to be doing it for years to come."

The Rays and Tigers wrap up their series today at 1:10 p.m. at Tropicana Field. Drew Rasmussen will start for the Rays against Eduardo Rodriguez.


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