When the Tampa Bay Rays let go a substantial chunk of their lineup and bullpen in the offseason, it wasn’t wrong to wonder if they were rebuilding. But relying on a deep farm system and the additions of veterans like Manny Ramirez and Johnny Damon, the Rays aim to contend again. As soon as the season starts next week, the Rays might pick up right where they left off.
Angels Vs. Rays: Dan Haren Too Much For Struggling Tampa Offense
Oh. Wait.
Behind a dominant outing from Dan Haren, the Los Angeles Angels cruised to a 5-1 victory over the Rays at Tropicana Field on Wednesday, completing a sweep in the two-game series. The bottom of the Angels’ lineup was particularly effective, with their sixth through eighth hitters combining for seven hits and three RBI. Alberto Callaspo hit a solo home run in the fourth inning for the Angels’ second run of the game, which proved to be enough behind Haren, Kevin Jepsen, and newly minted closer Jordan Walden.
Jeremy Hellickson struck out 10 batters in 5-2/3 innings, continuing to display the talent he showed for the Rays last September, but he was unable to avoid the first loss of his career. The Rays fell to 0-5 on the season, and will call on James Shields against the Chicago White Sox on Friday.
After dropping three straight games to the Royals, the Angels were able to rebound against the Rays for two straight, putting them at 3-3 for the season. They'll send Ervin Santana against the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday.
For more on the Angels and Rays, please check out team blogs Halos Heaven and DRaysBay.
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