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

Moriarty9 · 12-30-2008, 12:53 PM

Jones, Key lead Rays over A's
Oakland leaves tying run on base in ninth
September 5, 1998

OAKLAND - The Athletics had the tying run on base with slugger Mark McGwire at the plate in the last of the ninth inning this afternoon, but the expansion Tampa Bay Devil Rays managed to hold on to their lead and pick up the win.

The Devil Rays went into the bottom of the ninth inning with a 6-3 lead and southpaw Gabe White taking the mound. White walked left-handed hitter Brent Mayne to open the inning and then gave up a single to Patrick Lennon, advancing pinch-runner Mark Bellhorn to second base and bringing the tying run to the plate in left-handed hitter Mike Darr. White was able to get Darr to ground into a double play but then gave up a RBI triple to Ronnie Belliard. Orlando Palmeiro, another left-handed hitter, engaged White in a nine-pitch at bat before drawing a walk and putting the tying run on first base with McGwire - who has 44 home runs and 104 RBI this season - coming to the plate. Tampa Bay manager Christian O'Neal brought Danny Graves to face McGwire, who represented the potential winning run. McGwire fouled a couple pitches off before taking a called strike three to end the game.

"Danny really looked good out there today," O'Neal said. "He's been successful against McGwire in the couple of previous matchups they've had and we were comfortable he was the right guy to face him in that situation. He proved us right."

Graves picked up his fourth save of the season, helping Jimmy Key improve to 9-8 on the year. Key held the Athletics to three runs on nine hits and one walk over seven innings of work. Rookie reliever Tanyon Sturtze threw a scoreless eighth inning for the Devil Rays.

Offensively, Andruw Jones led the way with a couple hits, including a two-run home run off Oakland starter Brad Rigby. Rookie slugger Erubiel Durazo went 3-for-4 with a double and a run scored while catcher Charles Johnson picked up two hits, including a double. Oakland catcher Brent Mayne went 3-for-3 with a walk, a run scored and a run batted in.

12-30-2008, 12:53 PM	#54 (permalink)
Moriarty9 All Star Starter Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 1,855 Thanks: 9 Thanked 3x in 3 posts	Jones, Key lead Rays over A's Oakland leaves tying run on base in ninth September 5, 1998 OAKLAND - The Athletics had the tying run on base with slugger Mark McGwire at the plate in the last of the ninth inning this afternoon, but the expansion Tampa Bay Devil Rays managed to hold on to their lead and pick up the win. The Devil Rays went into the bottom of the ninth inning with a 6-3 lead and southpaw Gabe White taking the mound. White walked left-handed hitter Brent Mayne to open the inning and then gave up a single to Patrick Lennon, advancing pinch-runner Mark Bellhorn to second base and bringing the tying run to the plate in left-handed hitter Mike Darr. White was able to get Darr to ground into a double play but then gave up a RBI triple to Ronnie Belliard. Orlando Palmeiro, another left-handed hitter, engaged White in a nine-pitch at bat before drawing a walk and putting the tying run on first base with McGwire - who has 44 home runs and 104 RBI this season - coming to the plate. Tampa Bay manager Christian O'Neal brought Danny Graves to face McGwire, who represented the potential winning run. McGwire fouled a couple pitches off before taking a called strike three to end the game. "Danny really looked good out there today," O'Neal said. "He's been successful against McGwire in the couple of previous matchups they've had and we were comfortable he was the right guy to face him in that situation. He proved us right." Graves picked up his fourth save of the season, helping Jimmy Key improve to 9-8 on the year. Key held the Athletics to three runs on nine hits and one walk over seven innings of work. Rookie reliever Tanyon Sturtze threw a scoreless eighth inning for the Devil Rays. Offensively, Andruw Jones led the way with a couple hits, including a two-run home run off Oakland starter Brad Rigby. Rookie slugger Erubiel Durazo went 3-for-4 with a double and a run scored while catcher Charles Johnson picked up two hits, including a double. Oakland catcher Brent Mayne went 3-for-3 with a walk, a run scored and a run batted in.