Rays: 5, Guardians: 2 - Bullpen helps seal first win of series

Rays’ Dominant Bullpen 1-hits the Guardians following Pepiot’s early exit

After a close loss in Philly, the Rays continue a tough road trip by taking on the AL Central (and best record in the AL) Cleveland Guardians for a four game series.

Brandon Lowe got things started in a hurry with a 1st inning HR

Rays didn’t hold onto the lead for long as Lane Thomas doubled home Jose Ramirez to tie the game.

Guardians quickly took the lead in the bottom of the 2nd inning, when Andrés Giménez doubled home Brayan Rocchio to give the Guardians a 2-1 lead.

Believe it or not, the Rays ran into more bad luck. Ryan Pepiot was taken out of the game by Kevin Cash after only two innings. According to Marc Topkin, it was not injury related, so a strange Cash Consideratiton.

Only guess I have is it being a inning limit, as Pepiot’s 113.0 IP is a career high across all levels for him

Then in the top of the 3rd inning, Christopher Morel lead off with a 105.7 MPH double, with Brandon Lowe up next. Brandon Lowe hit a 103.8 MPH line drive, right to the shortstop Brayan Rocchio, who quickly doubled off Morel. THEN with Junior Caminero up, he hit a 104 MPH line drive to center field, but Lane Thomas had a great jump and great route for the final out.

Rays broke through in the 4th inning, with a Aranada sac fly to bring in Josh Lowe, and a Johnny DeLuca single to score Jose Caballero

Rays lead 3-2 after 4 innings, and what has essentially become a bullpen game. Cole Sulser, Mason Montgomery and Garrett Cleavinger helped the Rays keep the lead, going 5 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 2 BB and 6 Ks from the 3rd inning to the 7th.

Rays got a one insurance run after the opened the 8th inning with the first two runners on getting on base, and then Jose Caballero showing bunt for one pitch, then showed bunt AGAIN, and instead slapped a grounder past an infield covering.

Rays lead 4-2. With Edwin Uceta serving his second game of his three game suspension, Kevin Cash went to Manuel Rodriguez, who although gave up a hit, worked around it for a scoreless inning and keep the lead at 2.

In the top of the 9th inning, Rays got another insurance run after a pitch clock violation walk put Siri on first base, and he made his way to second on a steal, and then third on a throwing error by Josh Naylor. A long fly ball by Logan Driscoll brought Siri home and the Rays lead 5-2 going into the bottom of the 9th.

And for the 9th inning, and to try and keep the A bullpen rested, Cash goes to Richard Lovelady. Who only needed 6 pitches to get 3 outs and seal the win.

FINAL: Rays - 5, Guardians - 2

Rays move to 72-75 and look into continue tomorrow with Zach Littell taking on Tanner Bibee for the Guardians. Game time is at 7:10 PM