Location: St. Petersburg, Fla. | Ballpark: Tropicana Field (36,048) | Spring Training: St. Petersburg, Fla.
Owner: Stuart Sternberg | GM: Andrew Friedman | Manager: Joe Maddon | World Championships: 0
There was legitimate concern Friday about a letdown, with the Rays facing the Royals coming off an emotional sweep of the Red Sox.
The same thing happened a few weeks ago, when the Rays swept the Cubs, then lost two of three to a Houston team that came in on an eight-game losing streak.
But Friday there were fireworks as the Rays played an impressive and aggressive game, and they won easily, 11-2.
"It was huge for us, coming off a series like that, just to let everyone know we (didn't) really come in on chill mode," starter Edwin Jackson said. "We're still being aggressive, regardless of the team. We are going out to win every game."
Manager Joe Maddon has a simple philosophy, that he wants the team to play every game the same, regardless of opponent, date and venue. And that way, he says, when the Rays get to the last game of the season, and the stakes are highest, it won't feel any different.
That message is especially important with 24 of their next 32 games against teams currently under .500.
RAYS 11, ROYALS 2: Carlos Pena had a three-run homer as part of a five-RBI night Friday and Edwin Jackson matched his 2008 win total with a strong eight-inning effort as the Rays moved to 21 games over .500 at 53-32.
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They take 2 at home. Boston can't win there. Even a struggling Kazmir still gets it done at home.
Chowdaheads take 2 at home but lose 1.
Tampa to the WS with win in game 6!!
They just have too much depth at pitching. Plus the hitting is looking better than it has all year. Longori is back mashing. Pena is looking as good as
