Pena ties game with solo homer in 9th
Carlos Pena hit a solo homer with one out in the ninth off All-Star closer Joakim Soria to tie the game at 3-3.
Pena had struggled at the plate for most of of the game, going 0-for-4 in his first four tries while stranding nine runners on base.
But as Pena rounded first, he pumped his right fist repeatedly in the air to the standing crowd of 16,293 at the Trop.
Soria came into the game as one of the majors toughest relievers, converting 23 of 24 save opportunities and a stingy 1.22 ERA in 35 outings...
Evan Longoria followed up with a single, and advanced to second with two outs; but the Rays walkoff leader, Gabe Gross, struck out to end the threat.
We're going to extra innings.....
-- 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 James Shields, we're your source for Tampa Bay Rays scores and schedules.
The Rays had plenty of chances today. Bases loaded, no outs. Two infield pop ups & a strike out. Man on 2nd, no outs, do we bunt him to 3rd? Nope, great home stand again though! Hopefully we take a couple in N Y,
Posted by: md | July 07, 2008 at 07:21 PM
Hard to blame Wheeler when Longoria spotted the Royals a man on second with nobody out. That completely changed the makeup of the entire inning, forcing Wheeler to intentionally walk Gload, and nibble around Buck.
Posted by: Andy | July 07, 2008 at 05:07 PM
Great homestand. Now we bounce back in New York. I don't get not pinch hitting BJ Upton but that's why I'm not a MLB manager.
It was great seeing all you scumbags out this week. We need to do better on a holiday weekend. Even if it was only the Royals playing. Best in baseball deserve better attendance.
GO RAYS!!! see you at the Pit for the second half.
Posted by: | July 07, 2008 at 04:47 PM
Wheeler blows the 10th. He's struggled lately.
Posted by: max | July 07, 2008 at 04:12 PM