The Tampa Bay Rays have been experiencing a rollercoaster season when it comes to hitting, with both good and bad spells. However, after an 11-3 victory over the Seattle Mariners, the team seems to have found their groove at the plate. Manager Kevin Cash and players emphasized the contagious nature of hitting, both in a positive and negative way, pointing to their struggles in the early part of the season as evidence.
Despite a stretch where the Rays failed to score more than five runs in 10 consecutive games, resulting in a 2-8 record, they have managed to turn things around recently. With nine straight games scoring more than five runs, the team has been able to capitalize on their strong pitching and secure a 7-2 record in those games. Catcher Ben Rortvedt emphasized the impact of hitting being contagious and expressed his joy at being on the right side of things, especially with the team’s outstanding pitching staff.
Rortvedt himself has been a standout player at the plate, hitting a career-high .340 in the season’s first month. After a slump in May, the 26-year-old catcher has bounced back in June with a .359 average, three homers, and 14 RBIs in a 12-game stretch. Manager Kevin Cash praised Rortvedt’s approach at the plate, highlighting his consistency and ability to make solid contact with pitches in the zone.
First baseman Yandy Diaz has also been on fire, hitting .343 in June and tying a team record with a 19-game hitting streak. Diaz’s offensive contributions have been crucial to the team’s recent success, with 10 multi-hit games during his streak and eight consecutive games with at least one RBI. Diaz attributes his success to his focus on hitting pitches down the middle, resulting in three first-pitch leadoff homers this season.
Outfielder Jose Siri, who struggled with a .163 batting average in mid-May, has shown significant improvement at the plate in recent weeks. With a more disciplined approach and a knack for big hits, Siri has hit .326 in a 13-game stretch. Manager Kevin Cash praised Siri’s growth and understanding of his abilities at the plate, expressing hope for his continued success. Despite their recent offensive surge, the Rays suffered a setback with a 5-2 loss to the Mariners after their 11-run outburst, highlighting the team’s inconsistency at the plate.
While the Rays may not be completely out of the woods yet, their recent offensive improvements are a positive sign for the team moving forward. Despite concluding the first half of the season below .500, the team has won three straight series and seems to be finding their stride at the plate. Manager Kevin Cash expressed encouragement at the team’s progress and the positive steps they have taken in recent games. With the second half of the season ahead, the Rays will look to build on their recent success and continue their climb in the standings.
