Recap: Rays @ Orioles

The Rays fell victim to the new-look Orioles today in Sarasota, 12-6. Andy Sonnanstine started the game for the Rays and he may have been better off had he stayed home today. Sonnanstine pitched the first two innings of the afternoon affair, allowing six earned runs. The biggest concern is that he allowed those six runs on five HRs. For someone who is suppose to be a leader in an otherwise inexperienced bullpen, this was not a good showing. Sonnanstine will serve as the primary long relief guy this season so he should see a lot of his innings as damage control. Let’s hope that the Rays don’t need to create a new position in the bullpen…The Sonnanstine-Reliever.

Ups:

Manny Ramirez and BJ Upton hit back-to-back homers in the sixth inning, each their first of the spring. Manny also started the game in left field.

Remember Chris Archer? Many of you probably don’t. He’s one of the prospects gained from the Matt Garza trade with Chicago. Archer pitched one inning of relief and struck out the side. Archer, RJ Swindle, and Rule-5 pick up, Cesar Cabral combined for 7 K’s in 3.1 innings of no-hit relief.

Downs:

[see Andy Sonnanstine]

The Rays travel further north to Dunedin on Wednesday to play the Blue Jays.  Game-time is 1pm EST.