Rays Spring(s) to Another

St. Petersburg, Fla. — Jeffrey Springs had a quality start as if in regular season form and that start got the Rays off to a great start this afternoon at Tropicana Field. Springs struck out seven Braves in four innings of work giving up no runs and yielding three hits and just one freebie. Springs in now 2-0 this spring and the Rays have won 5 of their last 6.

The Rays offensive took no time to get going in the home half of the first when they took advantage of Braves’ pitching generosity by starter Charlie Morton. Yandy Diaz drew a lead-off walk and Brandon Lowe was hit by a pitch. Manuel Margot launched a homerun to left for a 3-0 lead and the Rays never looked back. The home team tacked on two more for a 5-0 lead before Atlanta tacked on the cosmetic one in the ninth.

Margot was offensive going 2 for 2 (the other a double) and scoring twice with three RBI on the homerun.

The Braves actually out hit the Rays 7-5 but so many times it’s a bout when the hits come, and the Rays hits were certainly timelier.

The Rays head down to Bradenton for St. Patrick’s Day, then back to the Trop for Saturday (Boston) and Sunday (Toronto).