ST. PETERSBURG (SNN-TV) – After hitting 139 homers last season, the Tampa Bay Rays could blow past that total before this year’s All-Star break.
Tampa’s starting outfield dominated last night as Jose Siri, Randy Arozarena and Luke Raley all homered, as the major league-leading Rays beat the sliding Toronto Blue Jays 6-4 at Tropicana Field. The 35-14 Rays lead the major leagues with 94 home runs, and have now opened a three-game lead over Baltimore in the AL East.
After opener Trevor Kelley pitched two scoreless innings, Josh Fleming allowed two runs and five hits over the next six as the Rays improved to 22-4 at home. Tampa Bay is the ninth team since 1901 win 22 of its first 26 home games.
Despite the team’s success, the announced crowd at the Trop was a season-low 8,857.
The Rays look to keep their momentum going as Toronto’s José Berríos and rookie sensation Taj Bradley square off tonight in Game 2 of the four-game set. First pitch is set for 6:40pm.
