Rays Winning at Home

The Rays have won four of their first five games on this homestand, beating Minnesota the first two times around and giving the Kansas City Royals the same treatment. This is a great sign right before a huge road series with the Yankees.

The starting pitchers are finally turning it around. They have all had winning stuff. Jeff Niemann pitched the best game of his career tonight — a two–hit shutout, no less. He was nearly untouchable, even with the huge lead. The bullpen has looked good, though I would still relegate J.P. Howell to middle relief.

The offense is picking it up, even without Jason Bartlett. Ben Zobrist hit a grand slam tonight, already the fourth of his career. Matt Joyce finally got his call–up and immediately made his case to play right field everyday. He has hit two long home runs in the last three games. B.J. Upton is finally over the Mendoza Line. Carl Crawford… well, somebody finally caught him stealing. But he is still on fire at the plate.

This post was made to show that I am still following the games, and finally regaining a little confidence in this team. Hopefully they don't turn around and tank in New York. Until next time, go Rays.