6/21/11- Longoria is Back!

Good Afternoon everyone.
The Rays took traveled to Milwaukee to take on the Brewers last night. It was Jeff Neimann, in his first start back from his back injury, who took on Chris Narverson. It was a pitchers duel until the 7th inning: besides the one run on a fielder's choice that knocked in Johnny Damon in the first inning. Then in the top of the seventh inning, the Rays started to destroy Nerverson. This is where I want to talk about how Longoria stepped up. Just about a day ago Longoria couldn't hit the broad side of a barn, even if he did it would be a slow roller or an easy grounder. Yesterday was the same, but when that seventh inning came around he was the old Longoria everyone has known to love. Usually with men on Longoria would strike out, or hit a little dribbler. This time, with Ben Zobrist on second base, Longoria smashed one into center. After that Sam fuld came up to the plate and hit Longoria in, giving the Rays a 5-0 lead! Milwaukee's Johnathan Lucroy hit a solo homer (415 ft!) into center in the bottom of the seventh. Then Longoria once again stepped up to the plate with men on, specifically two on and two out. I just thought,"Longo we need this right here, you can't strike out. Step up and be a leader". He went up 2-0 in the count and then smashed a 3-run homerun to left field. Now that is being a leader. That is the Longoria I know and love. Longo finished the game 2-5, with 4 RBIs. Neimann finished with his 2nd win of the year, 6 IP, and 5 Ks. Great game overall for the Rays.

Now we move on to game two of the series tonight where Jeremy Hellickson takes on Zack Greinke. I would imagine this game will be a pitchers duel. Jeremy Hellickson has a record of 7-5 with a 3.09 ERA. Helli will take on Zach Greinke who is 6-2 with a 5.23 ERA. Jeremy's record really doesn't show how he has been pitching because he hasn't gotten a sniff of run support in the last 2 games; in fact, the Rays haven't scored a single run when Jeremy Hellickosn pitches. I know the Brewers have the best home record in baseball, but the level at which the Rays are hitting and pitching right now, I think they will pull this one out.

Thanks for reading. I'll be back tomorrow.
Christian