Cole Figueroa and Yunel Escobar man the middle infield March 2nd, 2014 in Port Charlotte, FL.
Cole Figueroa and Yunel Escobar man the middle infield March 2nd, 2014 in Port Charlotte, FL.

The Tampa Bay Rays won their first game of the Grapefruit League season Sunday, taking the first game of the 2014 Knutson Classic by a score of 6-3, thanks in part to a pair of blasts off the bats of Evan Longoria (his first of the spring) and Jerry Sands. I live tweeted the game, so I won’t bore you with the details. You can read a blow-by-blow account of the game at our Tumblr page.

Click the screenshot to be redirected to our Tumblr page.
Click the screenshot to be redirected to our Tumblr page.

Below are some highlights of the game, along with a few post-game interviews and a link to our Flickr photo set from the game.

Highlights and Post Game Interviews

  • Alex Cobb looked great, posting a 1.2 IP/2 H/0 R/0 BB/3 K line, facing seven batters overall. On his outing, Cobb had this to say:

[youtube_sc url=”http://youtu.be/OcBdjF6wdEQ”]

  • Juan Sandoval, Grant Balfour and Joel Peralta followed Cobb, combining to put together 2.1 innings of 0 H/0 BB/2 K work. Balfour noted, in his post-game interview:

[youtube_sc url=”http://youtu.be/RQA7Ofzgdzg”]

  • Desmond Jennings (1-3, R), David DeJesus (2-3, R), Evan Longoria (1-3, R, 2 RBI, HR), Jerry Sands (1-2, R, RBI, HR), and Yunel Escobar (2-2, 2B) each had a good day at the plate. The folks at DRaysBay put together a video highlight reel, of some of today’s biggest moments:

[youtube_sc url=”http://youtu.be/pflz_tHEZig”]

Photos Galore

I snapped a good number pictures Sunday — you can see a few below. Want to see our entire photo set? Mosey on over to the X-Rays Spex Flickr page, and view away!

A pair of lefties, David Price and Matt Moore, signing autographs.
A pair of lefties, David Price and Matt Moore, signing autographs.
David Price making his way down the autograph line.
David Price making his way down the autograph line.
Rays RH set-up guy, Joel Peralta, warming in the 'pen.
Rays RH set-up guy, Joel Peralta, warming in the ‘pen.
Cesar Ramos on the practice fields of Charlotte Sports Park.
Cesar Ramos on the practice fields of Charlotte Sports Park.

The New What Next

Matt Moore will make his first start of the spring Monday when the Rays play host to the Phillies. Also scheduled to work are right-handers Heath Bell, Josh Lueke, Kirby Yates, Victor Mateo, Merrill Kelly and Brandon Gomes.

Rays 3/3/14 Starting Lineup

Zobrist 2B
Jennings CF
Longoria 3B
Joyce LF
Myers RF
Belnome DH
Hanigan C
Forsythe 1B
Nix SS
Moore LHP

Noteworthiness

  • According to Marc Topkin of the Times, “After agreeing to terms with their other 20 pre-arbitration eligible players, the Rays renewed the contract of AL Rookie of the Year OF Wil Myers. The renewal just means his salary is set by the team, likely in the range of $500,000 (the new MLB minimum) and $520,000. The 20 agreeing to terms were: RHP Chris Archer, INF Tim Beckham, LHP Jeff Beliveau, INF Vince Belnome, RHP Brad Boxberger, RHP Alex Cobb, RHP Alex Colome, INF Logan Forsythe, RHP Brandon Gomes, OF Brandon Guyer, OF Desmond Jennings, RHP Nathan Karns, OF Kevin Kiermaier, INF Hak-Ju Lee, RHP Josh Lueke, LHP Mike Montgomery, RHP Jake Odorizzi, LHP C.J. Riefenhauser, RHP Enny Romero and RHP Kirby Yates.”
  • Second baseman Ben Zobrist has improved, and will make his first Grapefruit League appearance today, leading off playing and playing second base. He’s scheduled to play the home games this week — saving the wear and tear of travel on his back.
  • If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a million times… As of March 2nd, X-Rays Spex have six Raymones shirts left in sizes small and medium — they’re available for $10.00 per shirt. We’ll be placing another order for shirts on March 4th. Thank you to all of you who purchased a shirt — we REALLY appreciate it! If you did not purchase one, and you would like to purchase a size other than small, medium, large or extra large, please get in touch with us by Tuesday, at: belowaverageraysfansite@gmail.com

 

 

 

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