Blunders Lead To Rays Dropping Grapefruit League Opener

PORT CHARLOTTE (WDAE) -- You could tell it was the first spring game of the year Friday, as the Rays dealt with a handful of defensive miscues that led to two of Phildelphia's three runs. The Phillies would take the Grapefruit League opener for both teams 3-2.

Kevin Kiermaier had a pair of defensive gaffes, starting in the top of the first, when he fell going back on a Scott Kingery fly, and a Willy Adames errant throw allowed him to round the bases and make it 1-0.

Philadelphia added on in the third off reliever Colin Poche, who allowed a hit and three walks to force in a run.

Kiermaier cut the deficit to 2-1 in the bottom of the third with a sacrifice fly after a Daniel Robertson single and Tommy Pham double, but Pham was stranded in scoring position as the potential tying run.

Maikel Franco's fifth inning homer extended Philadelpgia's lead back to 3-1, and while Jason Coats cut the lead to 3-2. Tampa Bay could get no closer.

Tampa Bay got scoreless innings Friday from pitchers Oliver Drake, Hunter Wood, Casey Sadler, Andrew Kittredge, Luis Santos and Andrew Moore.

SATURDAY'S GAME: Tampa Bay Rays at Minnesota Twins, 6:05 first pitch, pregame coverage begins at 5:30 with Countdown to Opening Day

Rays starter - LHP Ryan Yarbrough

Twins starter - RHP Kohl Stewart

Listen to comments from outfielder Kevin Kiermaier and reliever Colin Poche below!


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