Rays 5, Red Sox 1
Record: 38-23
Attendance: 36,803
The Rays' win tonight was critically important, but before the happy recap, one last word about Craig Kimbrel, whose free agency ended yesterday when he agreed to a $43 million deal with the Cubs over a very competitive offer from the Rays.
Kimbrel was quoted in the morning Tampa Bay Times that the Rays' low attendance was a key factor in his decision: "One things that's important to me . . . is being able to play in front of a fan base that is as passionate about the game as I am." He said he had experienced that in Boston and didn't want to give it up. "I'm a very adrenaline-based player. And knowing that each and every night, that the seats are going to be full, that definitely played a huge part in this decision."
Just as a reminder, the Rays' average attendance is 13,802, and on the just-finished homestand they drew the lowest crowds in franchise history, 5,786 and 6,166, both against the Blue Jays. It isn't any wonder Kimbrel picked the Cubs over the Rays, and it wouldn't be at all surprising if power-hitting Nelson Cruz didn't use the same thinking when he picked the Twins over the Rays last winter.
It's pointless to urge people to attend games they don't want to come to, but it's important to recognize the consequences. We are losing free agent players, and it won't be long now before we lose the team. Who could blame Rays' management if they left for a city that will turn out big crowds night after night?
As depressing as that line of thinking is, the game played tonight against the Red Sox was an exhilarating example of what the 2019 version of the Tampa Bay Rays can be. Yonny Chirinos, the starter tonight, not the Bulk Man, threw a brilliant eight innings against the potent Red Sox lineup. He was perfect through five (for the second time this season) and ended up giving up only two hits and two walks and no runs through 101 pitches. Emilio Pagan pitched the ninth and gave up a pair of doubles that ruined the shutout, but Rays dominance was clear from the get go.
Ji-Man Choi drew first blood with a second-inning homer, but it was Kevin Kiermaier (3 for 4 on the night), who was the offensive star. In the fourth he drove in two runs with a single to right then in the sixth he homered to open the lead to 5-0.
Tomorrow is a day-night double header. Manager Kevin Cash has announced Ryan Yarbrough with his 6.23 ERA will be the first game starter, but as yet he has not named a pitcher for the second game to face ex-Ray David Price (3-2, 2.83).
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