Looking Backward While Moving Forward: Zobrist, Escobar, and Scott Muscles Tampa Bay Past Minnesota

In the series preview, I wrote, “They’ve (the Twins) averaged almost five runs per game over the last 15 games, while the pitching has given up (on average) almost six. This bodes well for the swarming offense of the Tampa Bay Rays.” I’m not calling myself Nostradamus or anything, but it does emphasize that the Rays 7-4 win against the Twins Monday night is par for the course, for what Minnesota has done over their last 15 games. That’s not to belittle Tampa Bay in any way, shape, or form. Rather, it should show that the Rays are doing exactly what they need to be doing in the pre All-Star Break stretch.

The New What Next: …Just Don’t Call Them the Twinkies, A Series Preview of Sorts

A day after David Price posted the Rays first complete game start of the 2013 season — finishing of the White Sox in a three game sweep — Tampa Bay will welcome the Minnesota Twins to the friendly confines of the Trop for a four game set, starting Monday. The Rays are hot at the moment, winning the last four consecutive series while going 11-4 over a 15 game stretch. Tampa Bay is sitting in second place in the AL East for the first time since the beginning of April, tied with the Baltimore Orioles, and a half game over the third place Yankees.

Looking Backward While Moving Forward: Matt Moore, Rays Blank ChiSox 3-0

It may have not been the offensive outburst of the previous night, however the Tampa Bay Rays, with Matt Moore at the helm, beat the Chicago White Sox by a score of 3-0 Saturday at the Trop. He may not have been perfect, but Moore did just enough to stifle a sluggish White Sox offense, making the big pitches when necessary over the course of his 6-1/3 inning outing. There’s just something about Matt Moore… At least the 2013 model — things don’t seem to phase him. Case in point, a nerve racking pair of innings in which the White Sox could have broken the game open, but didn’t.

Looking Backward While Moving Forward: Hellickson, Rays Handcuff White Sox 8-3

Let’s review last night’s 8-3 win: A) Jeremy Hellickson was dominant. B) The Rays were electric at the plate. C) The ninth was ugly, but Ramos limited the damage. Better yet, let’s use that outline as a template for this game summary. Jeremy Hellickson Was Dominant Simply put, the subtitle says it all. Hellickson was …

Rays 7/5/13 Starting Lineup

Rays 7/5/13 Starting Lineup Jennings CF Joyce LF Longoria 3B Loney 1B Myers RF Scott DH Escobar SS Molina C Johnson 2B Hellickson RHP Noteworthiness Ben Zobrist is getting the night off, though he’ll probably be available in a pinch hit scenario later in the game. Evan Longoria is back at third, hitting third. Alex …