Rays win again

OK, I’ve been down in the Rays clubhouse for a while, so that’s why the posts stopped.

As I was leaving the clubhouse, Rays coach Tim Bogar, who coordinates the day’s activities, asked a Rays PR staffer if they could find someone to work the balls and strikes on the scoreboard.

That’s interesting because as I was leaving the press box to head to the clubhouse, I heard a Rays stadium operation’s staffer tell another they weren’t working past the ninth inning.

So, the game headed to the 10th with no one working the scoreboard.

Actually, it’s not the 10th.

The game officially ended after nine innings and the Rays won 9-1.

They added four in the eighth.

John Rodriguez, who has caught Maddon’s eye in the outfield, drew a bases-loaded walk.

Rays 6, Phillies 1

Josh Paul followed with an infield hit that scored Hector Gimenez.

Rays 7, Phillies 1

Eric Hinske followed with a two run double.

Rays 9, Phillies 1

Jeff Niemann got the win.

It took 2:41 minutes.

There were 3,836 in the stands, and a good number are still here.
I’ll say good-bye for now.

See you again Saturday when the Rays head across the Howard Frankland Bridge to Tampa to take on the New York Yankees.

Matt Garza will make his second start for the Yankees.

How this for breaking in the new guy? Garza started Monday in Lakeland and faced that potent Tiger lineup. Now he gets the Pinstripers at Legends Field. Or is it officially Steinbrenner Field?

Mike Mussina pitches for the Yankees.