While we may see the 2022 version of Shane McClanahan back on the mound for the Rays, with every start he makes following a two-year absence riddled with injuries, the electric southpaw appears more and more like his old self. Today was no exception as he took home his second win of the season and set the table for a third consecutive Rays victory. McClanahan, who was sharp in his last start against Pittsburgh, but got chased in the fifth, turned in his best start of the season Saturday afternoon. He tossed five scoreless innings, allowed just three hits, and punched out seven. Only one inning seemed to get away from him and he was able to wiggle off the hook nonetheless.
Behind McClanahan’s impressive start, the Rays offense picked up where they left off on Friday night and tallied six more runs to secure a 6-1 win and series victory over the Twins. They will have a chance to secure their third sweep of the season on Sunday afternoon.
Opposite McClanahan was tall right hander Bailey Ober who kept the Rays bats quiet for the first three innings before Jake Fraley took him deep in the fourth inning to open the scoring. The two run shot, and his second blast of the year, was all the Rays pitching staff would need. Ober turned in a fine line as well but got stuck with the loss. He allowed just the two runs over six innings while walking two and striking out three.
Entering the bottom of the seventh, it was still just 2-0 Rays, but that changed quickly as Taylor Roger came on to replace Ober. Pinch hitting for Fraley, Johnny DeLuca doubled to start the inning. Williamson followed with a run-scoring triple that split the gap in left center. After issuing a walk to Mullins, Roger was done after just three batters. Eric Orze, the former Ray, promptly allowed a RBI-single to Fortes that moved Mullins to third. Palacios tacked on another run thanks to a sacrifice fly. At the end of the inning, the Rays lead had more than doubled and now stood at 5-0.
They tacked on another run in the eighth inning as Williamson drove home Yandy Daiz with a RBI double to give the Rays a six-run lead. The Twins scored their only run of the game in the ninth inning to make it a 6-1 game. That score would end as the final score.
A promising trend continued as the Rays bullpen turned in another solid outing. Kelly, Bigge, and Martin combined to toss four innings of two-hit baseball. Martin allowed the lone run. They combined for five strikeouts and no walks.
Jesse Scholtens will take the mound and make his second consecutive start for the Rays opposite Simeon Woods Richardson as the Rays look to sweep the Twins.