The Tampa Bay Rays snapped a seven-game home losing streak with a 2-1 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Sunday, securing their second consecutive home win. This marked the team’s first home series win in a month, providing a much-needed boost for the Rays, who had struggled to find success on their own turf.
Key Highlights
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Taj Bradley’s Return:
- Returned to the mound in the sixth inning after a 38-minute rain delay during the bottom of the fifth.
- Adjusted his bullpen plans and pitched two scoreless innings to help secure the win.
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Tense Ninth Inning:
- Pete Fairbanks faced two runners on base with no outs but remained composed.
- Recorded three outs without allowing any runs, stating, "I’m just trying to get through it."
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Walk-Off Heroics:
- Travis Jankowski delivered a walk-off single in left field.
- Kameron Misner contributed by walking and stealing second base, putting pressure on Jankowski.
- Jankowski made history with his first walk-off hit in his 10-year major league career, saying, "I’m just trying to get on base."
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Celebration:
- Instead of a traditional ice bath or beer shower, Jankowski opted for an ice bath directly on the field after his historic hit.
Managerial Insights
- The Rays’ victory was their third straight decided late and by one run, showcasing their resilience under pressure.
- Manager Kevin Cash praised Fairbanks for his calmness in tough situations: "He’s been really good at getting out of tough situations."
- Cash also noted Bradley’s recent good performance, indicating he is now available out of relief due to injuries among other pitchers this season.
- Regarding Jankowski’s walk-off single, Cash commended him for staying focused despite being down by one run: "He stayed aggressive at-bat."
Cubs Performance
- The Cubs were led by Marcus Stroman’s strong outing against Tampa Bay last week but fell short this time.
- Yonny Ortega pitched six innings, giving up only one run while striking out eight batters.
Conclusion
The Rays’ victory marked an important step forward as they look to continue winning games moving forward.
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