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The Tampa Bay Rays and the Atlanta Braves recently faced off in a highly anticipated interleague game. The Rays, sitting at the top of the American League East division, were looking to maintain their lead while the Braves, third in the National League East, were hoping to make up some ground.
MON,MARCH 20
The game started off slowly, with both teams struggling to get anything going offensively. However, in the top of the fourth inning, the Rays’ bats came alive. Joey Wendle hit a double and was driven in by Randy Arozarena’s single, putting Tampa Bay on the scoreboard. The Braves responded in the bottom of the inning with a solo home run from Austin Riley, tying the game at 1-1.
In the top of the sixth inning, the Rays’ offense struck again. With two outs, Kevin Kiermaier singled and then stole second base. Manuel Margot followed with a double, scoring Kiermaier and giving the Rays a 2-1 lead. Tampa Bay added another run in the top of the ninth inning on a solo home run by Brandon Lowe, making the score 3-1.
The Braves tried to mount a comeback in the bottom of the ninth, but Rays closer Diego Castillo shut the door, earning his 15th save of the season. Rays starting pitcher Michael Wacha was credited with the win, throwing six innings and allowing just one run on four hits and one walk.
One of the keys to the Rays’ victory was their strong pitching. In addition to Wacha’s impressive start, relievers J.P. Feyereisen and Pete Fairbanks each threw a scoreless inning, helping to preserve the lead. The Braves, on the other hand, struggled on the mound. Starter Drew Smyly gave up two runs on seven hits in five and two-thirds innings, and reliever Tyler Matzek gave up the solo home run to Lowe in the ninth inning.
Offensively, the Rays were led by Margot, who went 2-for-4 with an RBI. Lowe’s home run was his 11th of the season, tying him for second on the team in that category. For the Braves, Riley’s home run was his 11th of the season, tying him for the team lead with Ronald Acuña Jr.
The win improved the Rays’ record to 46-31, while the loss dropped the Braves’ record to 37-41. The Rays have been one of the best teams in baseball this season, and their victory over the Braves showed why. They have a deep and talented roster that can win games in a variety of ways, whether it’s with their pitching, offense, or defense.
The Braves, on the other hand, have struggled this season, particularly on the pitching side of things. They rank near the bottom of the league in several pitching categories, including ERA, WHIP, and opponent batting average. They will need to improve in those areas if they hope to make a run at the playoffs in the second half of the season.
Overall, the game between the Rays and the Braves was a well-played and entertaining affair. The Rays showed why they are one of the best teams in baseball, while the Braves gave a glimpse of their potential. It will be interesting to see how both teams fare as the season progresses and the playoff race heats up.
