Gomes gets a go in series finale

The Rays cap off their three-game series today in Pittsburgh, and OF Jonny Gomes is expected to get a start against leftyTom Gorzelanny.

Gomes had the best- and longest - at-bat of Saturday's game, a 15-pitch session that ended in a game-tying solo homer. Manager Joe Maddon called it Gomes best at-bat of the season, and said it may get him going a bit.

Heading into Saturday's game, Gomes hadn't picked up a hit in his previous 12 at bats (7 Ks), dating back to a solo homer of the Marlins Mark Hendrickson on June 14. His 9-for-61 slide made his average sink nearly 100 points.

As for his marathon at-bat, Gomes said last night:

"I really didn't know it was 15 pitches until I came in and watched (the video)," Gomes said. "I truly thought it was like eight or nine. It's been a while since I was able to get in there and see some pitches. Fastball-slider guy, I just wanted to stay in and kept battling. Leadoff hitter late in the game, I was just trying to get on base any way I could and made some good contact."

Some other pre-game news:

*RHP Al Reyes threw a bullpen session Sunday at PNC Park and Maddon said the reliever is getting closer to a return from the disabled list.

*DH Cliff Floyd will not be available today, as he's flying home due to a death in the family, but he'll be back Monday for the Red Sox series.

*OF Rocco Baldelli, who is still on his rehab assignment, is doing well, but not quite there yet, Maddon said. Baldelli will DH today for Vero Beach, and Maddon said the team still hasn't decided what to do when his 20 game rehab assignment ends - whether they'll option him, or break it up for another rehab assignment.

Rays

Upton, cf

Crawford, lf

Longoria, 3b

Pena, 1b

Aybar, 2b

Gomes, rf

Riggans, c

Bartlett, ss

Sonnanstine, p

PIRATES

Wilson, ss

Sanchez, 2b

McLouth, cf

Bay, lf

Nady, rf

LaRoche, 1b

Bautista, 3b

Chavez, c

Gorzelanny, lhp

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

Comments

[Mark]

Jonny G baby!

He might not be Babe Ruth when he bats, and he might not be Willie Mays when he fields, but by God, he has to be one of the most popular Rays ever.

I'd dare to say he's like the Mike Alsott of the Rays, lol. Doesn't play a lot, and at times he can screw up, but we still love him!

I'm afraid they'll trade him, but I wish they wouldn't because he brings such positive energy to the team.

Ever since I witnessed his first career Grand Slam over 2 years ago, I can't get enough of Jonny Gomes.

[Brian]

First place, baby!!! Let's fill The Pit and give them some home field advantage against the commish's darlings!!!

[Bubba Ray]

WHHOOOOOOOO i love these boys! So excited for this series with the Sox .... Hope i can see all yall out there this week shut up those ignorant chowda heads! Meet me at fergs for the pre and post game party! Come keep the momentum building! Hopefully now ppl arent arguing over the stadium we can get down to realizing what a magical season we have going on right her in st pete. LETS GO RAYS!!

[martin]

dude, Rays are in first going into the home series with Red Sox. Blog that!

[rayray]

2nd most pitches that end w/homer in AL history. Go Jonny, Go Jonny!!!!

[CharlieRay]

*OF Rocco Baldelli, who is still on his rehab assignment, is doing well, but not quite there yet, Maddon said. DOING WELL he is 5 foe 25 with a 200 AVG for Vero Beach. That's not AAA. He needs to be hitting over 300 in a league that low.

[CharlieRay]

He dosen't have many AB's left if he dosen't get HOT fast. Maddon has given him enough rope and it's up to him if he hangs himself.

[Powerage]

That was a great at-bat last night. I didn't think he got enough of it, but what a way to end that at-bat.