Day game after a night game. The Tampa Bay Rays are back at it Sunday afternoon when they’ll face the Minnesota Twins in the first installment of the Knutson Classic at Charlotte Sports Park, in Port Charlotte.
The Rays are coming off an impressive 10-6 victory against the Baltimore Orioles on Saturday. In that game, Kevin Kiermaier, Brad Miller, and Curt Casali combined to go 8-11 with seven runs batted in, and three runs scored.
On the pitching side of things, starter Drew Smyly didn’t allow a hit over his two inning appearance, fanning three in the 30-pitch performance. Smyly impressively struck out Chris Davis, Mark Trumbo and Matt Wieters in the second.
The lefty spoke about his outing after the game:
Felt great, just a lot of fun, felt awesome to be back out there competing against a really good lineup. Get your feet wet, back on the mound for the first time. It was just a lot of fun for me. …That was more or less their Opening Day lineup, at least the lineup they’ve had in the past. I think every pitcher goes into spring, into the first game, a little anxious, a little nervous. How’s my arm going to feel? How’s my stuff going to be? How are the hitters going to see it? Just going out here kind of reassures you that you’re good. Another year, go out and have fun. Just a great first game, and I’m excited about it.
The New What Next
Jake Odorizzi will make his second start of the Grapefruit League season opposite of Kyle Gibson and the Minnesota Twins. Also expected to see action are Ryan Webb, Brad Boxberger, Danny Farquhar, Eddie Gamboa, Dana Eveland, and Blake Snell.
Rays 3/6/16 Starting Lineup
Mahtook CF
Jennings LF
Longoria DH
Loney 1B
Beckham SS
Rivera C
Franklin 2B
Motter 3B
Decker RF
Odorizzi RHP