Rays: 11, Mariners: 3 – Rays win series as offense explodes

The Rays are looking to secure their third consecutive series win against the Mariners today. Here are the lineups for both teams:

Before today’s game, the Rays made the following changes to their roster:

The Rays quickly got going with a home run by Yandy Diaz in the bottom of the 1st inning

Richie Palacos opened the 2nd inning with a double and Jose Siri brought him home with a single.

Rays lead 2-0 after two innings.

Zach Littell got through the first four innings easily, allowing a few hits and walks, but otherwise stayed out of trouble thanks to the stellar defense of Josh Lowe.

Littell’s first signs of trouble came in the 5th inning after Jorge Polanco hit a leadoff single and Ty France hit a home run to tie the score at 2-2.

Otherwise, no further damage, as Littell’s final tally was 5.0 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 1 BB and 6 Ks on 72 throws.

The Rays’ offense exploded in the second half of the 6th inning when Richie Palacios and Jose Siri got back-to-back walks and then Taylor Walls scored both with a triple.

Then Ben Rortvedt hit his third home run of the year and added two more runs.

At the end of the 6th inning, the Rays are leading 6-2!

Seattle also responded a little when Mitch Garver hit a home run against Phil Maton in the 7th inning.

After the home run, Maton retired the next three Ms batters in order, making way for another offensive explosion from the Rays, with Richie Palacos bringing Josh Lowe home with a single and Ben Rortvedt continuing his offensive breakthrough with a 2-run single of his own.

The Rays’ lead grew to 9-3 after 7 innings, and they still weren’t done! In the next inning, Isaac Parades joined in with his 12th home run of the year.

A 2-run shot gives the Rays an 11-3 lead and a much-needed break for the A bullpen. Newly appointed Edwin Uceta comes in for the 9th inning and the final out.

The Rays are coming off their third straight series win and improving their season record to .500. Ryan Pepiot faces George Kirby tomorrow as the Rays seek their first three-game sweep since sweeping the New York Mets in early May of this year. Game time is 12:10 p.m.