Longoria starts mini rally

It’s the bottom of the eighth, the Rays trail by three and are down to their last six outs.

Even Longoria advances to the plate and get a big hand from the near-capacity crowd of 5,392 that filled this historic ballpark today.

The rookie doesn’t disappoint, lining a double left field.

He scores when Eric Hinske singles to center.

Reds 6, Rays 4.

Rays manager Joe Maddon said the organization is about a week away from making a decision in whether Longoria sticks with the big club or opens the season at Triple A Durham.

I don’t see any reason why Longoria is not ready.

The Rays almost tie the score when Jon Weber runs into a pitch with a man on and two out, but he drives the ball to the deepest part of the park – dead center field.

The Rays have yet to hit a home run at Al Lang, which is a notorious pitcher’s park.