Tampa Bay Rays Become First AL Team to 60 Wins With Blowout Victory Over Guardians

It was another big win for the Tampa Bay Rays. 

As the team found its way back home, they picked up the series-opening win Friday night with an 11-3 victory over the Cleveland Guardians. The team snagged their 60th win of the season, the first time in the American League to reach the mark.

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Here is what you need to know from the contest. 

McClanahan Gets It Done

Shane McClanahan pitched great for the Rays on Friday, going 5 strong innings and picking up his 9th win of the season. Other than one run allowed in the 4th inning, he was nearly flawless, only allowing 2 hits and 2 walks in the contest. He also struck out 3 Guardians on 71 pitches. 

Cam Sulster threw a clean 6th inning, and Chris Roycroft picked up a rare 3-inning save, the first of his career. 

When pitching is on, the Rays win. Seems like something they have to make sure they have a lot of come the trade deadline on August 3rd.

Supporting Cast Stepping Up

The Bats were on fire for Tampa Bay on Friday night, but it mainly came from the players you might not expect it from. 

The middle tier of the lineup consisting of Cedric Mullins, Jonny DeLuca and Chandler Simpson all picked up 2 hits each in the contest as both Ryan Vilade and Richie Palacios picked up homers, both with men on base.

This all comes at a time when the normal main characters at the plate for the Rays are struggling. The trio of Yandy Diaz, Jonathan Aranda and Junior Camiero went for a combined 2-13 at the plate Friday, and the team still had 15 hits and 11 runs. 

This is a great sign that potentially some of the other bats are starting to step up at the right time, or is it the fact that maybe they are feeling the pressure of potentially being replaced at the upcoming MLB Trade Deadline? 

Regardless, the Rays pick up win 60 and still hold a 2-game lead on the New York Yankees for the AL East division lead. They will be in action on Saturday as they take on the Guardians for Game 2 of the series. Nick Martinez (9-2, 2.59 ERA) will get the start for the Rays and will take on right-hander Tanner Bibee (4-9, 3.85 ERA) for the Guardians. First pitch is scheduled for 6:10 PM EST.

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