The Tampa Bay Rays (3-0) defeated the Detroit Tigers (0-3) 5-1 on Sunday afternoon. The win gives Tampa Bay a sweep in the opening weekend of the series.
Jeffrey Springs (1-0, 0.00) did not allow a hit in his first start of 2023, pitching six hitless innings in which he struck out twelve and walked one. After throwing 81 pitches in the first six innings, he was lifted for reliever Colin Poche who allowed the game's first hit to Riley Greene.
Randy Arozarena hit his first home run in the fourth to give the Rays a 1-0 lead. The Rays broke the game open in the sixth with RBIs from Isaac Paredes and Jose Siri. Brandon Lowe scored on a wild pitch in the eighth to make it 5-0, before Detroit salvaged one run in the ninth with a solo homer for Detroit.
The Rays now go on the road for the first time this season when they go to Washington for a three game series against the Nationals beginning on Monday. Drew Rasmussen is scheduled to start on Monday night and face Washington's Trevor Williams. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 PM - coverage begins with Ronnie & T-Kras hosting the Inside Pitch at 6:00 PM on 95.3 WDAE & AM 620.
PHOTO COURTESY GETTY IMAGES