The Tampa Bay Rays dropped a 4-1 decision to the Pittsburgh Pirates at LECOM Park on Monday in spring training play. Despite Logan Davidson's 1-for-3 with an RBI effort at the plate, the Rays could not pull even when it mattered. Mason Englert worked 2.0 innings on the mound, allowing 0 earned runs on 5 hits. The Pirates out-hit the Rays 8-4 on the day. Despite the result, the coaching staff gathered useful data on the current state of the roster. Spring training losses sting, but the information gained will inform decisions as Opening Day approaches.
Key Performers
Logan Davidson was the top performer at the plate, going 1-for-3 with an RBI. His steady bat was exactly what the lineup needed. Performances like this give the Rays confidence that the lineup is rounding into form.
Gregory Barrios provided support, going 1-for-3 with a double, Chandler Simpson also contributed, going 1-for-3, and Dom Keegan chipped in, going 1-for-2 with a double. While there were individual bright spots, the lineup could not string hits together consistently.
On the other side of the diamond, Yordany De Los Santos led the Pirates offense with a 1-for-1 with a home run and two RBI day. Javier Rivas also contributed, going 1-for-1 with a home run and an RBI. Jake Mangum added a 2-for-3 effort as well. The Pirates offense proved to be too much for the Rays pitching staff to contain on this particular day.
On the Mound
Mason Englert got the start, struggling with his command, working 2.0 innings while allowing 0 earned runs on 5 hits with two strikeouts. He threw 45 pitches in the outing. It was a useful learning experience as the Rays evaluate their pitching depth heading into the regular season.
The bullpen combined for 6.0 innings of work, allowing 3 earned runs while striking out seven. Spring training gives the coaching staff a chance to evaluate bullpen depth, and today provided useful information about the current state of the bullpen. Each reliever is auditioning for a roster spot, and innings like these factor into those decisions. Evan Sisk recorded the save to close out the game.
Among the relievers, Andrew Wantz stood out with 1.0 innings of scoreless work, striking out two. His performance was one of the day's bright spots from the bullpen.
How It Happened
Pirates got on the board first with a run in the third inning. The Rays countered with a run in the fourth. Pirates struck back with three runs in the seventh. Pirates out-hit the Rays 8-4, with 2 errors committed between the two clubs. A crowd of 4,390 was on hand to take in the action.
Looking Ahead
It was not the outcome the Rays were looking for, but spring training provides a forgiving environment to work through the rough patches. The focus remains on preparation and development, and the coaching staff will use today as a teaching opportunity. The regular season is right around the corner, and every game is a chance to improve.
