Tampa Bay did something that has only happened once in MLB history.
Taj Bradley maintained his outstanding run for the Tampa Bay Rays in their 9-1 victory over the New York Yankees on Saturday. Bradley pitched seven innings of one-hit ball to keep his seven-game winning streak going.
Not only that, but the Rays managed to accomplish something only once since 1901, according to OptaSTATS.
.@RaysBaseball became the 2nd MLB team since 1901 to do all of these in a single game (including playoffs):
Score 9+ Runs
Hit 4+ HR
Hold Opp. To 0/1 Runs
Record 5+ Walks
Steal 2+ Bases
Opp. GIDP 3+ TimesThe Dodgers also did this against the Braves on August 23, 1958. pic.twitter.com/BvjP5jZqPG
— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS) July 20, 2024
The Rays were only the second MLB team to accomplish all of these in a single game:
Score 9+ Runs
Hit 4+ HR
Hold Opp. To 0/1 Runs
Record 5+ Walks
Steal 2+ Bases
Opp. GIDP 3+ Times
On August 23, 1958, the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Milwaukee Braves, becoming the last team to do it.
Nestor Cortes gave up home runs to Alex Jackson, Isaac Paredes, and Randy Arozarena, who then added another for his ninth multi-homer game. Arozarena tied his career high with four hits, while Curtis Mead, who returned to the majors for the first time since May 3rd, got three hits, including a go-ahead double in the third.
Bradley allowed only one hit, a double by Ben Rice in the first inning, and the 23-year-old right-hander has a 0.92 ERA in his previous eight starts.
In the Dodgers’ 10-1 victory in 1958, pitcher Don Drysdale hit two home runs and drove in four runs.
Rays potential sellers at deadline
The Rays are currently 49-49 on the season, which would place them in contention in other divisions but puts them 11 games back in the American League East. As a result, Tampa Bay may be trying to make a move around the trade deadline.
The Rays have a number of players who will be of interest to contending clubs before the deadline. Isaac Paredes, a dynamic infielder, is one of the most valuable trade chips. The New York Yankees, Tampa Bay’s division rivals, look to be interested by Paredes. New York would like to improve their infield, particularly at third and second. Paredes can play both positions, and Neander is willing to consider bids for the young All-Star.
In addition to his ability to play several infield positions, Paredes is a productive hitter. He has 18 doubles, 15 home runs, and 50 RBI this season, with an OPS+ of 136 and 2.5 WAR in 91 games. Last year, Paredes hit 31 home runs and drove in 98 runs, so 2024 is no fluke. In fact, the 25-year-old infielder was named to his first All-Star squad this year.
