Rays Keep Shining ☀️

04/11/2023

By: Jeff Yoder

Rays Shutout Red Sox (1-0) to Claim MLB’s 1st 10-0 Start Since 1987

The Ray’s perfect start looked in jeopardy for a moment on Monday at Tropicana Field, but an 8th-inning homer from Brandon Lowe was what it took to beat the Red Sox (1-0) and claim another feather in the cap of Tampa Bay’s historic start.

 

Rays of Sunshine: The Rays (10-0) became the first team since the 1987 Brewers to start an MLB season 10-0 — the first team in the Wild Card Era (1995) and the seventh in the Modern Era (1901). The overall record for the best start stands at 13-0. Tampa Bay won each of the first nine games by four runs or more, and Monday night’s game marked the third consecutive shutout. It’s been a trio of young bats that have provided the firepower for Tampa Bay, but the pitching core is downright disgusting for opponents. They have a collective 1.70 ERA and lead all teams in hits, home runs, and walks allowed.

 

Tampa Bay only faced the Tigers, Nationals, and Athletics in their first nine games. The remainder of the Red Sox series and a Blue Jays showdown this weekend should showcase if they’re for real.

 

Watch: Rays Shutout Red Sox for 10th Straight Win

 

MLB Quick-Hitters

 

Heaney Fans 9 Straight: Rangers’ right-hander Andrew Heaney struck out nine straight batters from the first through fourth innings in Monday night’s win over the Orioles (11-2), tying the AL record and breaking Nolan Ryan’s franchise record for consecutive Ks in a game (7).

 

Braves Win Via Walk-Off: Sean Murphy capped a three-hit night with a walk-off homer for the Braves on Monday in an extra-inning thriller against the Reds (5-4, 10 Innings).

 

The Orioles’ HR Funnel: Forget the highlights, there’s a new celebration in the dugout that deserves your attention. The Orioles constructed the first-ever home run funnel (or ‘Homer Hose’) to chug water and stay hydrated after a home run. The stunt went viral on social media.

 

Photo: Mike Carlson / Getty Images