The Tampa Bay Rays managed to break their three-game losing streak with a 7-2 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday. The standout performer of the game was Randy Arozarena, the Rays’ slugger who hit a home run in the second inning to open the scoring. Isaac Paredes followed it up with another homer, making it back-to-back shots.
Arozarena, who is aiming to secure a spot in next month’s All-Star Game, had an impressive performance, going 3-for-3 with a home run, double, and two RBIs. He currently leads the team with a .292 batting average, 14 home runs, 50 RBIs, and nine stolen bases. It’s worth noting that Arozarena didn’t reach 50 RBIs until early August in the previous year.
The Rays’ win was also fueled by rookie Taj Bradley, who delivered a career-high, six-inning start. The team has been strong at home, winning 32 out of 40 home games since 2017.
Their next series will be against the Kansas City Royals, a team that the Rays have had success against, with a 22-12 record since 2017, including a 10-game winning streak across the 2017 to 2019 seasons.
To start the series, the Rays will rely on ace Shane McClanahan, who aims to become the first pitcher in the majors to reach 12 wins this season. McClanahan boasts an impressive 11-1 record with a 2.12 ERA. He has won all three of his starts in June and has a 1-0 record with a 1.50 ERA in two career starts against the Royals.
The Royals, who have been struggling in June with a 3-15 record, will likely employ a bullpen game, with right-hander Jose Cuas making his first career start. Cuas has previously made 79 relief appearances but will transition to the starting role for this game. He has faced the Rays twice before, yielding a run on two hits and a walk in 1 1/3 innings.
The Royals will likely follow Cuas with either Austin Cox or Brooks Kriske on the mound. The team has been contending with the Oakland Athletics for the worst record in the majors, with both teams experiencing recent struggles.
Other games on the MLB Schedule for Thursday, June 22, 2023 (as of 5:00 PM)
Cleveland 6, Oakland 1
Minnesota 6, Boston 0
Seattle at NY Yankees – 6:05 CT
Arizona 5, Washington 3
Atlanta 5, Philadelphia 1 (10)
San Diego 10, San Francisco 0 (Top 9)
Pittsburgh at Miami – 5:40 CT
