The Tampa Bay Rays won the first game of their weekend series with the New York Mets in dramatic fashion as Brett Phillips delivered a walk-off bases loaded single in the bottom of the ninth to give the Rays the 3-2 win.
It was a struggle for the Rays offensively as Mets starter David Peterson kept the Rays offense in check until the eighth inning when the Rays offense got busy.
Peterson was cruising along as he had retired 17 straight Rays batters heading into the eighth inning.
Mike Zunino hit his eighth home of the season to start the inning to cut the lead in half. Kevin Padlo doubled before the Paterson and Trevor May retired Brett Phillips and Randy Arozarena.
Manuel Margot then delivered a two out double to tie the game at two. It would stay that way until the bottom of the ninth when Seminole native Brett Phillips delivered his game winning hit to give the Rays the win.
Phillips had a tough night at the plate as he had struck in his three previous at bats before delivering the game winning hit.
Tyler Glasnow was sensational as he has been all season, going eight innings with ten strikeouts. This was also Glasnow’s longest outing of his Major League career.
Pete Fairbanks worked the ninth to get his first win of the season for the Rays.
This was the Rays 10th come from behind win this season. The Rays improved to 21-19 and will stay three games behind Boston for the division lead.
The Rays and Mets will continue their three game series Saturday afternoon with USF product Shane McClanahan getting the start for the Rays.
McClanahan has been impressive in his three starts this season walking four and striking out 15.
—Good news for the Rays on the injury front. Pete Fairbanks returned to the bullpen this week and closer Diego Castillo was activated off the 10-day DL. Castillo is fifth in the American League in saves.
—First baseman Ji-Man Choi who has been on the DL all season took batting practice and infield practice today and looked very good according to manager Kevin Cash.
Choi is expected to be activated shortly and hopefully will add a much needed punch to the Rays offense.
