The Tampa Bay Rays are off to a historic start in the 2023 MLB season. They are the only undefeated team in the majors, with a 7-0 record and a staggering +36 run differential.
They have won every game by at least four runs, a feat that has not been accomplished since the 1884 St. Louis Maroons.
One of the keys to their success has been their explosive offense, which has hit 18 home runs in seven games, matching the total number of runs allowed by their pitching staff.
On Friday night, they continued their power surge against the Oakland Athletics, hitting five homers in a 9-5 victory.
The highlight of the night was a grand slam by third baseman Isaac Paredes in the second inning, which gave the Rays a 6-1 lead and chased Oakland starter Shintaro Fujinami from the game .
Paredes, who was acquired from the Detroit Tigers in a trade last July, has been a revelation for the Rays this season. He is batting .333 with three home runs and 10 RBIs in six games.
He has also played solid defense at the hot corner, filling in for the injured Yandy Diaz. Paredes said he was happy to contribute to the team’s winning streak and credited his teammates for their support.
“I’m just trying to do my job and help the team win,” Paredes said. “We have a great group of guys here who are always cheering for each other and having fun. It’s a great feeling to be part of this team.”
The Rays will look to extend their unbeaten run on Saturday, when they send Jeffrey Springs to the mound against Oakland’s Ken Waldichuk. Springs was dominant in his season debut, striking out 12 batters and throwing six no-hit innings against the Boston Red Sox.
Waldichuk, on the other hand, struggled in his first major league start, allowing eight runs in 2 2/3 innings against the Texas Rangers.
The Rays have already set a franchise record for the best start to a season, surpassing their previous mark of three wins in a row (2022, 2012, 2002).
They are also closing in on some of the longest winning streaks to start a season in American League history. Here are the top five:
- 13 – 1987 Milwaukee Brewers
- 11 – 1981 Oakland A’s
- 10 – 1966 Cleveland Indians
- 9 – 2003 Kansas City Royals, 1984 Detroit Tigers, 1944 St. Louis Browns
- 8 – 1982 Chicago White Sox
The Rays have a chance to join that elite group if they can sweep the Athletics and take at least one game from the Red Sox in their next series. They are not taking anything for granted, though, and are focused on playing one game at a time.
“We’re not thinking about records or streaks or anything like that,” manager Kevin Cash said. “We’re just playing good baseball and enjoying it. We know it’s a long season and there will be ups and downs. We just have to keep working hard and stay humble.”
Final Thoughts: Tampa Bay Rays Off to a Blazing Start
The Tampa Bay Rays have been the talk of the 2023 MLB season and for good reason. Their historic start to the season has been nothing short of impressive.
Their explosive offense has been on display with 18 home runs in seven games, while their pitching staff has allowed only 18 runs in total. The Rays have won every game by at least four runs, a feat that has not been accomplished since the 1884 St. Louis Maroons.
Third baseman Isaac Paredes has been a key contributor to the Rays’ success. His solid defense at third base and offensive prowess have been instrumental in the team’s winning streak. Paredes has been a valuable addition to the team since his trade from the Detroit Tigers last July.
The Rays have already set a franchise record for their best start to a season, and they have a chance to join the elite group of teams with the longest winning streaks to start a season in American League history. However, the Rays remain grounded and focused on playing one game at a time.
Manager Kevin Cash’s emphasis on staying humble and working hard is a testament to the team’s mentality and approach to the game. The Rays are not taking anything for granted, knowing that the season is long and there will be ups and downs.
It remains to be seen if the Rays can maintain this level of play throughout the season, but their start is undoubtedly an indication of their potential.
They have established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the MLB, and their performance thus far has been nothing short of impressive.
