Rays Spring Game 25: David DeJesus Homers In 4-3 Win

The Tampa Bay Rays beat the Baltimore Orioles 4-3 in Sarasota on Tuesday in one of their two split-squad games on the day. I followed this game while Robbie covered the contest with the Boston Red Sox (more on that in a few minutes). In this game, the Rays receive solid pitching for the most part and several regulars had strong games at the plate.

Everett Teaford got the start for the Rays and threw 3.2 shutout innings. He allowed 3 hits and no walks while striking out 2, and he also forced 6 groundouts. Teaford has already been reassigned to minor league camp and is set to begin the season with the Durham Bulls. Even so, it was nice to see him finish the big league portion of his spring on a strong note because we never know when the Rays will need more depth.

Asdrubal Cabrera got Teaford’s run support started in the first inning by doubling to left, scoring John Jaso. David DeJesus then homered in the top of the third, his first of the spring, and the Rays weren’t done in the frame. They continued to put it on Orioles starter Kevin Gausman with a sac fly from Desmond Jennings and a double from Logan Forsythe scoring two more runs.

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The Rays’ staff on the day was all minor leaguers, but they did a pretty good job containing an Orioles™ lineup featuring several regulars. After Teaford, Mike Montgomery continued his bid for a bullpen spot by going 2.1 innings allowing just 1 run on 4 hits, striking out 3 and walking none. He still has a shot at one of the final bullpen spots and has made a nice showing this spring as a potential long man.

Andrew Bellatti had a disappointing end to a solid showing this spring, allowing 2 runs in 2 innings pitched. That made it a one-run game, but Brad Schreiber threw a perfect ninth inning to preserve the win.

On the offensive side, John Jaso went 2 for 3 with a walk and 2 runs scored while Asdrubal Cabrera went 2 for 4 with a double and an RBI. Cabrera is hitting just .209 this spring, and it was nice to see him do something positive. DeJesus is the player the Rays especially need to succeed as they look to trade him, and they had to like his home run as well. Desmond Jennings, meanwhile, is still hitting .447 this spring after his 1-for-3 day with an RBI.

The Rays play in Tampa tomorrow against the New York Yankees at 1:05 PM EST. The game will be broadcast on YES if you are in the New York area or have MLB.TV.

Next: Rays Give Scott Diamond a Second Chance As They Hope for Depth