Shane McClanahan is in the zone, and the Tampa Bay Rays are riding that wave all the way to the top of the standings. The left-handed ace delivered his third consecutive scoreless outing on Wednesday, leading the Rays to a crisp 3-0 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays and completing a three-game sweep. With this win, Tampa Bay has now taken 12 of its last 13 games—a scorching stretch that has the rest of the American League taking notice.
McClanahan (4-2) was masterful, scattering just two hits over 5 2/3 innings while striking out four and walking only one. His scoreless streak now sits at an impressive 16 2/3 innings, a testament to his command and composure on the mound. The bullpen kept the momentum going, with Kevin Kelly, Garrett Cleavinger, Bryan Baker, and Ian Seymour combining to finish off the four-hitter. Seymour, in particular, made it memorable, retiring three straight batters to earn his first professional save.
The Rays' pitching staff has been nothing short of dominant during this hot streak. Over the last 13 games, they've allowed just 17 total runs, recording three shutouts and holding opponents to one run in five other contests. At home, they're nearly unbeatable, having won 10 straight games at Tropicana Field. This is especially meaningful for Tampa Bay, as they returned to the Trop this season after spending last year at Steinbrenner Field while repairs were made following Hurricane Milton damage.
Offensively, the Rays struck first in the fourth inning. Johnny DeLuca ripped an RBI double, then came home on Chandler Simpson's two-out single to make it 2-0. They added an insurance run in the eighth when an errant throw from Blue Jays second baseman Ernie Clement allowed Cedric Mullins to score from third.
For Toronto, the defending AL champions, the loss extended a rough stretch. The Blue Jays have now dropped four straight and five of their last seven, falling to 16-21 on the season. Starter Patrick Corbin (1-1) took the loss, allowing two runs on five hits over 5 1/3 innings.
Looking ahead, the Blue Jays will try to regroup when they host the Los Angeles Angels on Friday, with Dylan Cease (2-1) taking the mound. Meanwhile, the Rays head to Boston for a four-game series starting Thursday, sending Griffin Jax (1-2, 5.14 ERA) against Red Sox lefty Jake Bennett (1-0, 1.80 ERA). If Tampa Bay keeps pitching like this, they'll be a tough out for anyone.