Also: Uceta stepped up and pitched two clean innings in a return to form!
Chandler Simpson brings necessary energy and passion to the game, and to open up the second half has been trusted as the leadoff bat in each of these games against the Orioles. The role might be a platoon one, with Yandy Diaz slotting from third up to his historical role of first in the order against south paws, but to see him out there the Rays might have finally captured lightning in a bottle.
Indeed, Simpson was the star of the show, battling through a tough at bat against reliever Seranthony Dominguez in the eighth inning in a tie game before dropping his bat and squaring up a change to lace it up the middle and put the Rays in the lead:
He rode that adrenaline into the next at bat, stealing second base with Jose Caballero — who had to enter the game late for Brandon Lowe, who felt a flare up of his plantar fasciitis:
Simpson would advance to third on a wild pitch that walked Caballero, and then use his speed to score the winning run of the game with Jonathan Aranda picking up the RBI on a fielder’s choice that had little chance of catching Simpson advancing home:
The Rays were in position to win thanks to clean pitching from Zack Littell and — wait for it — Edwin Uceta!!! He settled in for two clean innings in a return to form with three strike outs and two hits allowed without a run scored, and getting the team to the ninth inning with a two run lead.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Pete Fairbanks save without some drama, but it was none other than Simpson who sealed the win with a leaping catch at the wall to rob Jackson Holiday:
Game Notes:
- The Rays had two spectacular diving plays in this game from Jonathan Aranda in the 4th, and Brandon Lowe in the 5th.
- Enjoy this Simpson interview after the game: