Re-Run Rays: The AL’s Best Battle

05/09/2023 Re-Run Rays: The AL’s Best Battle

By: Jeff Yoder

Rays’ Ace Shane McClanahan Shuts Out Orioles in Battle of AL’s Top Teams

Just over one week into May and the two top teams in the American League are… Tampa Bay and Baltimore? You got it. The Rays and O’s began a three-game series this week as the top two teams in the AL, not just the AL East. Tampa Bay (29-7) got a shutout win over Baltimore (22-13) behind Shane McClanahan’s gem (6 IP, 7 Ks, 4 Hits, 0 ER). As you probably remember, the Rays opened the year with a historic 13-0 start. They’ve gone 16-7 since while dropping just two series in total through six weeks of the season — both 2-1 series losses to the Blue Jays and Astros. They’re now 6-1 to open May, a month that includes series with the Yankees, Mets, Dodgers, and Blue Jays. Will Tampa re-run another hot streak and stay top dogs by June?

 

Watch: Rays Shutout O’s in Battle of AL’s Best (3-0)

 

MLB Quick-Hitters

 

Rangers-Mariners Pitching Duel: The Rangers eked out a win over the Mariners Monday night (2-1) in a pitcher’s delight. Logan Gilbert (Seattle) tossed six perfect innings to open the game, but Jon Gray (Texas) got the win after a seven-inning gem (7 IP, 8 Ks, 4 Hits, 1 ER).

 

Contreras Returns to Wrigley: Willson Contreras returned to Wrigley Field on Monday for the first time since trading in his Cubs jersey for a rivals Cardinals uniform. He had two hits and two RBIs in a 3-1 win over his former team. The Cards (12-24) are still dead last in the NL.

 

Mitch’s Pitches Help Bucs End Skid: Mitch Keller fanned eight batters over a full nine innings last night to earn a shutout win for the Pirates against the Rockies (2-0) and snap a seven-game losing streak. Despite the skid, the Pirates (21-15) are still leading the NL Central.

 

Photo: Icon Sportswire / Getty Images