Rays advance to 9-7 after three game series in Tropicana Field

Rays return home after a successful 4-2 road trip with a three game series taking on the Giants to begin a seven game home stand.

Game 1: Giants – 1 Rays – 2 (recap)

Game 2: Giants – 11 Rays – 2 (recap)

Game 3: Giants – 4 Rays – 9 (recap)

Offensive Sunburst Award: Rene Pinto

The first two games of this series was largely a struggle offensively, with the Rays scoring just two runs in both of them, however the bats exploded on Sunday and Pinto was a large part of that explosion.

The 27-year-old blasted his first two home runs of the year in the 9-4 victory, good for four RBIs and this editions Offensive Sunburst Award.

The first home run, a three-run home run in the bottom of the fourth, was especially impressive as it hit the batter’s eye in centerfield and measured out at 433 feet

Alexander excited fans before the season began with his ability to eat innings when the bullpen has been worked, and in this series he had an opportunity to show it.

Coming into a game where every pitcher but one had thrown in the last three days, including three having thrown over 20 pitches, it was clear they needed someone who was going to get through the order multiple times.

Alexander did just that on Sunday, pitching six innings allowing two runs and six hits. It wasn’t the most dazzling performance of the year, but in a series that didn’t see much impressive pitching Alexander’s performance earns this editions Sunburst Award (though I was tempted to give it to Ben Rortvedt).

Jose Siri wins his first Sunburst Award of the season with his outing this weekend in Centerfield.

Siri has been impressing this season so far with his much improved OBP and baserunning aggression, however his Sunburst Award is given to him for his impressive running catches he made, especially one at the warning track in game one of the series.

Dave Wills gets a very well deserved Highlight Sunburst Award for his induction into the Rays Hall of Fame on Sunday.

For 18 years, Wills was the voice of Rays Baseball and became an Icon in the Tampa Bay Area. His famous “Rays win! Rays win! Rays win!” saying after Rays wins is burned in the memories of Rays fans.

As someone who grew up in the bay, Wills has a special place in my childhood as my memories are filled with days by the pool or at the beach listening to Rays radio. Wills was beloved by anyone who knew him, and his induction into the Rays Hall of Fame is more than deserved.

The Rays come back from a successful road trip on the west coast and follow it up with a series win against the Giants. Tampa Bay has now won four of their last six and are only half a game back from second in the AL East standings.

The Rays will follow up this series win with a four game series against the Los Angeles Angels. First pitch is set for Monday at 6:50 as the Rays look to continue their success against a familiar opponent.