Tampa Bay Rays: Strong pitching leads to series win

Charlie Morton:
- 5 IP, W
- 2 ER
- 8K/2BB
The Tampa Bay Rays paid the 35 year old right handed pitcher 30 million this offseason and he proved that the decision to be a solid one. Although it is only one start that lasted just over 80 pitches, Morton was impressive.
In facing his old team, one that he secured a championship for, Morton struck out 8 former teammates while surrendering only 2 runs en route to his first win in a Rays uniform.
In what would be an emotional start for anyone in Morton’s place, the Bradenton native remained composed and began his Rays career with a solid start. The curveball was filthy along with his upper 90’s fastball.
Morton out-dueled fellow rotation mate Gerrit Cole in what was a battle of wills. Cole made one more mistake than Morton as he took the loss after throwing 6 innings, striking out 10 and allowing 4 runs, only one of those earned.
As Brian Smith of the Houston Chronicle said, “It was classic Morton. A moment when the game slowed down and it felt like the outing could slip way. A couple loaded counts. Then fastball power, nasty breaking pitches and more zeroes on the board.”
Hopefully we can get used to this “classic Morton”.