Well, the Rays started September off with a bang, that’s for sure. At least we can say they’re over .500 so far in the ninth month. Yesterday’s game was the first time in Rays history that they won by throwing out the tying run at the plate. The Rays are also the first team to win with a catcher tag play for the final out after losing previous game in the same manner since 1998, when Kansas City lost to Houston then beat Milwaukee the next day. There have only two games in majors this season to end with the tying run thrown out at plate. It’s nice to be back on the right side of history. Before I get to the lineup and Noteworthiness, check out the now infamous play at the plate below:
Rays 9/2/12 Starting Lineup
Jennings LF
Upton CF
Zobrist SS
Longoria 3B
Keppinger DH
Francisco RF
Pena 1B
Roberts 2B
Molina C
Price LHP
Noteworthiness: The newly acquired Ben Francisco will get his first start for the Rays in RF, hitting sixth. As a means to keep Jeff Keppinger in the lineup, Maddon has put him in at DH, hitting fifth behind Evan Longoria who’s back at third base, and hitting fourth. The Rays recalled Brandon Gomes from Triple-A Durham following the short outing by Niemann yesterday, where the relievers had to eat up 5-2/3 innings. No word yet on who else the Rays may be bringing up with the roster expansion.