The Tampa Bay Rays have had their ups and downs this season, and for some reason, one of those downs have been their inability to figure out their in-state rivals, the Miami Marlins. It seemed to be more of the same on Sunday, as the Marlins jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the second inning. But the Rays were able to figure things out at Tropicana Field on this day, and the answer was Daniel Robertson. The pinch-hitter came off the bench and connected with a walk-off grand slam to give the Rays a thrilling 6-4 win to avoid the sweep.
Marlins closer Kyle Barraclough gave up the game-ending hit on his 40th pitch of the ninth inning, as he fell to 0-4 on the season. He had allowed three straight hits, including an RBI single to Ji-Man Choi. The reliever then walked Willy Adames to load the bases for Robertson, who hit the Rays' first game-ending slam in franchise history to snap out of a recent 8-for-45 slump.
Adam Kolarek earned his first win after throwing two scoreless innings for Tampa Bay, who moved back over .500 with their 27th win at Tropicana Field. They had come close to rallying in the ninth inning in the first two games this weekend, scoring four times on Friday and once on Saturday. Although, those both ended with one-run losses to begin the unofficial second half of their season.
They finally completed the comeback on Sunday, handing Barraclough his fourth blow save in 14 tries. Miguel Rojas drove in two for the Marlins, who failed to record their first three-game series sweep of the season. Trevor Richards allowed just one run on three hits over 6.2 innings, but got the no-decision due to his bullpen's inability to close things out.
Chris Archer got the start for the Rays, once again in front of plenty of scouts, including from the New York Yankees, Cleveland Indians, Arizona Diamondbacks, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Atlanta Braves. He struck out 13 batters over six innings in his third start since returning from the disabled list with an abdominal strain. Archer is one of the top names on the list of expected trade targets heading in to the July 31st trade deadline.
As of today, he is still a member of the Tampa Bay Rays, who will stay home to host the New York Yankees on Monday night.
Marlins closer Kyle Barraclough gave up the game-ending hit on his 40th pitch of the ninth inning, as he fell to 0-4 on the season. He had allowed three straight hits, including an RBI single to Ji-Man Choi. The reliever then walked Willy Adames to load the bases for Robertson, who hit the Rays' first game-ending slam in franchise history to snap out of a recent 8-for-45 slump.
Adam Kolarek earned his first win after throwing two scoreless innings for Tampa Bay, who moved back over .500 with their 27th win at Tropicana Field. They had come close to rallying in the ninth inning in the first two games this weekend, scoring four times on Friday and once on Saturday. Although, those both ended with one-run losses to begin the unofficial second half of their season.
They finally completed the comeback on Sunday, handing Barraclough his fourth blow save in 14 tries. Miguel Rojas drove in two for the Marlins, who failed to record their first three-game series sweep of the season. Trevor Richards allowed just one run on three hits over 6.2 innings, but got the no-decision due to his bullpen's inability to close things out.
Chris Archer got the start for the Rays, once again in front of plenty of scouts, including from the New York Yankees, Cleveland Indians, Arizona Diamondbacks, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Atlanta Braves. He struck out 13 batters over six innings in his third start since returning from the disabled list with an abdominal strain. Archer is one of the top names on the list of expected trade targets heading in to the July 31st trade deadline.
As of today, he is still a member of the Tampa Bay Rays, who will stay home to host the New York Yankees on Monday night.
