OOTP Developments Forums - View Single Post - Expansion Revision: 1998 Devil Rays and beyond

Moriarty9 · 12-12-2008, 12:59 PM

Griffey walk off slam stings Rays
Mariners score eight in ninth to top Tampa Bay
May 24, 1998

SEATTLE - The Mariners completed an improbable comeback tonight, torching Tampa Bay Devil Rays pitching in the ninth inning for eight runs, capped off by a Ken Griffey, Jr. walk-off Grand Slam, to defeat their guests, 8-5.

"We're extremely disappointed," said a visibly upset Christian O'Neal, Devil Rays manager. "It's ridiculous."

Tampa Bay pitching was impressive for the first eight innings of the ballgame as starting pitcher Aaron Sele went into the ninth inning working on a shutout. Sele had carried a no-hitter into the sixth inning.

"Shell-shocked," Sele said after the game. "I'm completely shell-shocked. It's like someone turned a switch and we went from cruising along to watching them pound us."

Sele entered the ninth inning having given up no runs on three hits and four walks, having struck out nine Seattle hitters. Griffey drew a walk to lead off the inning and was followed by Alex Rodriguez, who reached on a muffed grounder to third base. Jose Cruz, Jr. grounded out for the first out but Rob Ducey ended Sele's shutout and his night by belting a 2-1 fastball to left for a three-run home run. Vic Darensbourg entered the game and faced pinch-hitter Troy Glaus, who singled. Darensbourg was then replaced by Devil Rays closer Rick Aguilera while Glaus was lifted for pinch-runner Joey Cora. Aguilera forced Jay Buhner into a ground out but then surrendered back-to-back singles to Eric Young and Ron Coomer. The Coomer single made it a one-run ballgame with the tying run on second base. Aguilera and Edgar Martinez engaged in a six-pitch at bat that ultimately loaded the bases with a walk. With Griffey coming to the plate, O'Neal took his closer out of the game in favor of lefty Greg Cadaret. After falling behind Griffey, 2-1, Cadaret threw an inside fastball that the slugger pulled down the line for a 361-foot game-winning Grand Slam.

12-12-2008, 12:59 PM	#23 (permalink)
Moriarty9 All Star Starter Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 1,855 Thanks: 9 Thanked 3x in 3 posts	Griffey walk off slam stings Rays Mariners score eight in ninth to top Tampa Bay May 24, 1998 SEATTLE - The Mariners completed an improbable comeback tonight, torching Tampa Bay Devil Rays pitching in the ninth inning for eight runs, capped off by a Ken Griffey, Jr. walk-off Grand Slam, to defeat their guests, 8-5. "We're extremely disappointed," said a visibly upset Christian O'Neal, Devil Rays manager. "It's ridiculous." Tampa Bay pitching was impressive for the first eight innings of the ballgame as starting pitcher Aaron Sele went into the ninth inning working on a shutout. Sele had carried a no-hitter into the sixth inning. "Shell-shocked," Sele said after the game. "I'm completely shell-shocked. It's like someone turned a switch and we went from cruising along to watching them pound us." Sele entered the ninth inning having given up no runs on three hits and four walks, having struck out nine Seattle hitters. Griffey drew a walk to lead off the inning and was followed by Alex Rodriguez, who reached on a muffed grounder to third base. Jose Cruz, Jr. grounded out for the first out but Rob Ducey ended Sele's shutout and his night by belting a 2-1 fastball to left for a three-run home run. Vic Darensbourg entered the game and faced pinch-hitter Troy Glaus, who singled. Darensbourg was then replaced by Devil Rays closer Rick Aguilera while Glaus was lifted for pinch-runner Joey Cora. Aguilera forced Jay Buhner into a ground out but then surrendered back-to-back singles to Eric Young and Ron Coomer. The Coomer single made it a one-run ballgame with the tying run on second base. Aguilera and Edgar Martinez engaged in a six-pitch at bat that ultimately loaded the bases with a walk. With Griffey coming to the plate, O'Neal took his closer out of the game in favor of lefty Greg Cadaret. After falling behind Griffey, 2-1, Cadaret threw an inside fastball that the slugger pulled down the line for a 361-foot game-winning Grand Slam.