The Rays have a wacky costume code and a historic profitable streak

road. PETERSBURG – Did you say now, America?

Are you able to embrace the unknown and free Tampa Bay baseball staff? Are you prepared to confess that there’s something particular occurring at a membership the place everybody has hilariously determined to decorate extravagantly like a businessman on Thursday?

Are you able to cease searching for methods to elucidate a latest main league begin to a 13-0 tie and simply admire a staff that was constructed to outdo fairly than overwhelm the American League’s most prosperous relationships?

“We don’t play baseball the way in which all people else performs baseball,” mentioned Ryan Thompson. “The best way we’ve been seen cheering one another on and celebrating one another is unparalleled. I’ve talked to lots of people about this, and what we’ve got is completely different. The dearth of ego right here, the variety of individuals prepared to fill no matter function we want on any given day. The hitters are attempting to maneuver Males on base lanes fairly than making an attempt to hit large stats.Pitchers are prepared to suit into roles they aren’t used to.

“No ego, no complaining, all we need to do is win video games.”

And we are able to formally say that no staff has ever carried out a greater job in April. The 9-3 victory over the Pink Sox on Thursday afternoon tied the 1987 Brewers and 1982 Braves for the longest unbeaten streak to begin a season in fashionable main league historical past.

The Rays have a Harlem Globetrotters-like scoring margin of 101-30 and have trailed in solely six of their 117 innings pitched this season.

six! Out of 117!

“Nothing surprises me right here anymore,” mentioned proper fielder Luke Raleigh.

Positive, the schedule has loads to do with the report. Don’t deny it. The Rays began the season in opposition to three potential last-place groups (Detroit, Washington, and Oakland) earlier than defeating the Pink Sox in 4 straight video games this week.

However contemplate this: The World Champion Astros misplaced two out of three in opposition to the Tigers final week. The Braves couldn’t sweep the Nationals, the Guards fumbled in opposition to the Athletics and so forth. Baseball will not be a recreation designed for domination. Win 55 % of your video games and also you’ll doubtless be within the playoffs.

In different phrases, there isn’t any motive to apologize for being distinctive. It is unnecessary to research perfection.

Second baseman Brandon Lowe mentioned, “When you get just a little spark on this lineup, there’s no turning again.”

Not like groups with costly stars that suck all of the oxygen out of the stadium, the Rays use selection and roster manipulation in hopes of staying one step forward.

Think about B-Lowe. He’s certainly one of two gamers on the lively roster with an All-Star look on his resume. Prior to now six video games, he’s been 8-for-18 with 5 walks, 5 house runs, and 12 RBIs. Nonetheless, when the Pink Sox beginning left hander Chris Sale on Wednesday, he began his day without work the bench with no peep.

Assume Jason Adam. One in all baseball’s most dominant tackles in 2022, he pitched to america within the World Baseball Traditional and fortunately entered video games within the sixth or seventh inning with no probability of a save.

Think about the previous two days, when Zac Evelyn missed the beginning with again tightness and Jeffrey Springs needed to go away after three rounds with an elbow drawback. The Rays referred to as up 22-year-old Taj Bradley to make his main league debut Wednesday, I introduced in Kevin Kelly from base 5 with the bases loaded Thursday, and 28-year-old shortstop Braden Bristow was making successful. -league debut with a line on the aim line.

Bradley and Kelly had their first main league wins. Bristow, who has just one save in his Triple-A profession, pulled off the save on Thursday.

“Eric (Neander) and Pete (Bendix) are doing a great job within the low season of getting depth,” supervisor Kevin Money mentioned of the president of baseball operations and basic supervisor. “I’ve heard Eric discuss it loads. We need to be actually good in our 14 or 15 all-40 roster. I really feel like we’re, and we’ve received a number of guys that may contribute in the course of the season. Loads of guys have already contributed.

“To go racing like this, every part must be clicking.”

And when it wrapped up on Thursday, all of them contributed to the frivolity with a surprising ensemble of thin denims, muscle T-shirts, gold chains and knit hats for a enjoyable Yandy Diaz-esque outfit. Appears like Kelly and Adam received probably the most votes for Greatest Yandy Imitation.

“I simply hope there’s a money prize for this,” Adam joked.

So what’s the greatest phrase to explain this group?

“Unified,” mentioned staff proprietor Stewart Sternberg.

And what’s the easiest way to explain their gameplay?

“Out of their minds.”

Contact John Romano at [email protected]. Comply with @Romano_TBTimes.

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