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Moriarty9 · 02-13-2009, 04:32 PM

Agbayani's 7 RBI a grand number
Devil Rays rout Red Sox courtesy of two grand slams
April 18, 1999

BOSTON — Benny Agbayani made his first appearance as a big league thirdbaseman today and responded by reaching base four times, hitting two home runs, and driving in seven runs out of the last spot in the lineup.

Agbayani, an outfielder by trade, was pencilled in as the starting third baseman for this afternoon's game with the Boston Red Sox. He fielded each of the four grounders hit his way with no problem, recording four assists, and was fantastic at the plate.

"We've been looking for a way to let Benny get some opportunities out there because he's really had so few so far," said Devil Rays manager Christian O'Neal. "He's been taking some groundballs at third this year and we decided to give it a shot for today's game. He held his own defensively, all things considered, and obviously had a great day with the bat."

Agbayani singled to lead off the third inning in his first at bat, and hit a three-run home run off Jeff Suppan in the fourth inning, giving Tampa Bay an early 5-1 lead. Agbayani went deep again in the fifth inning, crushing a 389-foot grand slam off southpaw reliever Ron Mahay, making it 9-1 Devil Rays. He later drew a walk and flew out, finishing the day with three hits in four at bats, two runs scored, and seven RBI.

"I got some good pitches to hit today and, man, it worked out," said Agbayani after the game. "That's my job — to produce. Whenever I'm in the lineup, I've gotta go out there and hit the ball, make the most of those opportunities."

Agbayani was not the only Tampa Bay player to hit a grand slam this afternoon, as rightfielder Raul Mondesi added some late padding to the Devil Rays lead with a grand slam off Heathcliff Slocumb in the eighth inning.

Devil Rays starting pitcher Aaron Sele, a former Red Sox hurler, picked up his first win (1-1) of the season. The curveball specialist gave up one run on two hits and seven walks, striking out five Boston batters.

02-13-2009, 04:32 PM	#93 (permalink)
Moriarty9 All Star Starter Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 1,855 Thanks: 9 Thanked 3x in 3 posts	Agbayani's 7 RBI a grand number Devil Rays rout Red Sox courtesy of two grand slams April 18, 1999 BOSTON — Benny Agbayani made his first appearance as a big league thirdbaseman today and responded by reaching base four times, hitting two home runs, and driving in seven runs out of the last spot in the lineup. Agbayani, an outfielder by trade, was pencilled in as the starting third baseman for this afternoon's game with the Boston Red Sox. He fielded each of the four grounders hit his way with no problem, recording four assists, and was fantastic at the plate. "We've been looking for a way to let Benny get some opportunities out there because he's really had so few so far," said Devil Rays manager Christian O'Neal. "He's been taking some groundballs at third this year and we decided to give it a shot for today's game. He held his own defensively, all things considered, and obviously had a great day with the bat." Agbayani singled to lead off the third inning in his first at bat, and hit a three-run home run off Jeff Suppan in the fourth inning, giving Tampa Bay an early 5-1 lead. Agbayani went deep again in the fifth inning, crushing a 389-foot grand slam off southpaw reliever Ron Mahay, making it 9-1 Devil Rays. He later drew a walk and flew out, finishing the day with three hits in four at bats, two runs scored, and seven RBI. "I got some good pitches to hit today and, man, it worked out," said Agbayani after the game. "That's my job — to produce. Whenever I'm in the lineup, I've gotta go out there and hit the ball, make the most of those opportunities." Agbayani was not the only Tampa Bay player to hit a grand slam this afternoon, as rightfielder Raul Mondesi added some late padding to the Devil Rays lead with a grand slam off Heathcliff Slocumb in the eighth inning. Devil Rays starting pitcher Aaron Sele, a former Red Sox hurler, picked up his first win (1-1) of the season. The curveball specialist gave up one run on two hits and seven walks, striking out five Boston batters.