Rays end first-half atop American League
PITTSBURGH — Manager Joe Maddon spoke Sunday about how the Rays' first half — their best in franchise history — has been of the "anonymous" variety, devoid of one shining star.
Though Tampa Bay's 4-3 win over the Pirates at PNC Park fit that theme to a "T," thanks to unexpected heros such as backup catcher Shawn Riggans (who had a homer and two RBIs) and fill-in second baseman Willy Aybar (who homered), what stood out was that the Rays won a game they would have typically let slip away in years past.
They were far from perfect, with two big defensive miscues and missed opportunities at the plate. But at the end of the day — and a 5-1 road trip — the Rays (49-32) owned the AL's best record and the top spot in the East. Tampa Bay, which is on pace for 98 wins, moved a half-game ahead of the Red Sox, whom it will host the next three days in one of the most anticipated series in franchise history.
Just as important to the Rays as where they're at is how far they've come. They've won the most games in a first half by any team that had the majors' worst record the year before.
"We come to the park every single day expecting to win," starter Andy Sonnanstine said. "Last year, if we were tied 2-2 in the middle of the game, it always felt like we were down a couple runs. Not with this team. We feel we can do some pretty major things."
-- JOE SMITH
Follow Tampa Bay Rays baseball from spring training to the World Series with Marc Topkin, Joe Smith and the St. Petersburg Times sports staff. From Evan Longoria to B.J. Upton and Scott Kazmir, we're your source for Tampa Bay Rays scores and schedules.
I'll be @PIT on Tues. w/cowbell & 100 decibel horn.... I'm hungry for some Trop chowda stew.
Posted by: rayray | June 30, 2008 at 01:18 PM
I'll be in section 134 with an over-sized cowbell banging the living daylights out of it. Red Sux fans are calling in to 620 talking trash...
When has it ever been necessary for a Red Sux fan to talk trash to Rays fans??? Only when The Red Sux are looking up at the Rays in the standings!!!
Let's put the beantown whiners back in their Tea Boxes and toss 'em into the hawbuhhh!!!
GO RAYS!!!
Posted by: Ray F | June 30, 2008 at 11:11 AM
OK guys this is SHOW UP TIME. We need fans to show up for this serious. Let's all go the extra mile and fill the house with Rays fans. Bring the bells, signs, horns and your support to this TEAM. They are now in first again and playing the most important 3 games ever in their history. You can make a difference.
Posted by: CharlieRay | June 30, 2008 at 06:37 AM
RAYS ARE ATOP OF THE WHOLE MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL!!!
Let's support the Rays!
Posted by: John | June 30, 2008 at 03:08 AM
Boston is 1-9 on turf, ONE AND NINE!!
Time to grab the bull by the balls and bring these punks (and their fans) down a notch or two ...
I so wished I still lived in Florida, and I so hope that ESPN makes this half the lovefest they would if it were Boston and New York in this position ...
It is the 21st Century, baby ... and time for the Rays to SHINE!!!
Posted by: sevenyearhawk | June 30, 2008 at 12:07 AM
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!!
Posted by: Bubba Ray | June 29, 2008 at 10:25 PM
If you go, wear your blue colors. Even if you don't go, wear blue.
Do not let the Red Sox fans push you around, after all they will be intoxicated. Have some fun with them, but make sure you don't get kicked out.
Bring any and all noisemakers you have. Use them often. Bring earplugs for those who give you trouble.
The Battle in Beantown was over weeks ago, but now the war comes home.
You say payback is a b----, Jonathan Papelbon? Takes one to know one I guess. Odds are, the "Whiter Version of Covelli Crisp" isn't even going to work for the next 3 days because he won't have a lead to close (or more than likely, blow).
No more excuses. It's time to defend our house.
Posted by: McLovin | June 29, 2008 at 09:58 PM
Right on, Big B. Let's rock the sox fans!!!!! Wooooooooooooo!!!
Posted by: J-Dog | June 29, 2008 at 09:44 PM
Hey guys, let's blister this blog and then blister some hides! This is our region, our stadium, and our team. The time is now to show up and smother out the Sox fans. Bring a friend, bring some blue, and let's get crazy in The Pit!
Posted by: Brian | June 29, 2008 at 09:33 PM