Recap the Rays' dramatic 6-5 win over the Athletics on July 2! Homers from J. Lowe, Díaz & Mangum, plus B. Lowe's 18-game streak, sealed the victory.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Happy Fourth of July, Rays fans! While the team enjoys a well-deserved day off for the holiday, the buzz from Wednesday's dramatic 6-5 victory over the Oakland Athletics is still electric. In a game that had everything – clutch homers, a rookie's mad dash around the bases, and a nail-biting finish – the Rays showed their resilience and firepower, providing the perfect send-off as they embark on a lengthy 10-game road trip starting tonight in Minnesota.
With his sixth-inning double against the A's, Brandon Lowe extended his major-league-leading hitting streak to an incredible 18 games.
Things looked dicey for a moment, but the Rays' offense came alive in the sixth inning, erupting for five runs to flip the script on the A's. The rally was powered by the long ball, with Josh Lowe, Yandy Díaz, and rookie Jake Mangum all going deep. Ryan Pepiot was brilliant on the mound, fanning nine batters over six innings while allowing just two runs. The drama peaked in the ninth when Edwin Uceta, with the bases loaded, coolly struck out Brent Rooker and Nick Kurtz to lock down his first career save and a huge team win.
Wednesday's game wasn't just a win; it was a record-setter. Brandon Lowe continues to be the hottest hitter on the planet, extending his hitting streak to a league-best 18 games. Not to be outdone, rookie Jake Mangum provided the most exciting play of the day with a rare inside-the-park home run, the first for a Ray in two years and just the 24th in franchise history. As a unit, the pitching staff was untouchable, racking up a season-high 17 strikeouts, proving their dominance just one day after posting 15 Ks.
The good news keeps coming as versatile infielder Ha-Seong Kim was officially reinstated from the 60-day IL on Thursday, a massive boost for the club's depth and defense. To make room, Curtis Mead was optioned to Triple-A Durham. However, the win came with a cost, as second baseman Luis Urías had to leave the game with right hamstring tightness. The team is holding its breath for an update, as his status could impact the infield alignment for this critical road trip.
There's no time to rest on their laurels. The Rays kick off a pivotal 10-game road trip tonight against the Minnesota Twins. Zack Littell (7-7, 3.61 ERA) gets the ball for Tampa Bay, looking to set the tone for the series and the trip. This stretch will be a true test of the team's mettle, and it all starts with a tough matchup at Target Field.
The Rays are heading out on the road with momentum, a red-hot offense, and a healthy dose of confidence. With Ha-Seong Kim back in the fold but Luis Urías's health in question, the team will need its depth to shine. This 10-game trip could define the next phase of their season. Grab your hot dogs, settle in for the fireworks, and get ready for Rays baseball in Minnesota!
