CHEESE & WHINE: That's More Like It

RAYS: 13
SOX: 0


CHEESE:

• Matt Garza. Amazing. When this kid has it, he has it. I thought that his performance v. the Marlins last year was one of the most dominating pitching performances I'd ever seen, but this one trumped even that. Matty-G was perfect through 6 and finished the night having thrown 7 2/3 innings, allowing just 1 hit while walking 3 and striking-out 10. That'll work.
• Evan Longoria. Dirtbag had a big night as well going 3 for 5 from the plate, recording a solo homer and 4 RBI.
• Michel Hernandez. He may never have another night like that. Hernandez was 4 for 5 from the plate, with a homer and 3 RBI. Add the fact that he caught/called a great game for Garza, and he's got a story to tell the kids someday.
• Baseball at its best. Not only did we get to see a pitching clinic, but we also got to see an impressive offensive display too. So everyone's happy (except Sox fans of course), the pitching purists and the those who love the hitters' game each got something to cheer about.

WHINE:

• Nope.

CRACKERS:

• According to Baseball Prospectus (via PECOTA) the Rays stand a 31.9% chance of making the post season.
• After one day my predicted outcomes from my Eternal Optimism article were all correct.