Sunday, 4 a.m.
Well, look who's back in first place.
The Tampa Bay Rays, in free-fall in recent weeks, have climbed back into the lead in the American League East. They re-passeed the New York Yankees by percenage points with a 4-2 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Once again, the Rays rode their big three -- Yandy Diaz, Jonathan Aranda and Junior Caminero to their victory.
For instance:
-- The Rays had five hits that were not. bunts. The Big Three had three of them.
-- The Rays had four RBI. The Big Three had three of them.
--.The Rays had two home runs. The Big Three had them both.
Think about this. This season, the trio has accounted for 67 percent of the Rays' home runs, 46 percent of their RBI and 39 percent of their hits.
Oh, they weren't the only solid performers Saturday. Victor Mesa Jr. had two hits and threw a baserunner out from right field. Relief pitcher Michael Grove made his return to the game with three scoreless innings. Brian Baker earned his 21st save. The Rays had three bunt singles.
The Rays got off to a good start with yet another home run by Caminero, who has five in his last four games. They took a 3-1 lead on a home run by Aranda after Diaz had walked.
The Rays close out their series with Arizona today at 1:40 p.m. at Tropicana Field. Drew Rasmussen (6-4) will start for the Rays against Merrill Kelly (5-7).
