With newest rout, Rays (9-0) match finest begin in WC period

ST. PETERSBURG — For years, Kevin Kiermaier would lead the Rays’ postgame victory celebrations by chanting, rapping and recognizing key contributors from the sport whereas music boomed by the successful clubhouse. They’ve developed new traditions this season, with reliever Ryan Thompson getting the group going because the unofficial hype man earlier than Shane McClanahan and Brandon Lowe lead a tequila toast for the day’s high pitchers and hitters.

They’ve obtained the routine down fairly nicely at this level. 

Nine video games, 9 wins, 9 celebrations.

The undefeated Rays stored rolling on Sunday afternoon, sealing their third collection sweep with an 11-0 rout of the A’s at Tropicana Field. Tampa Bay matched the 2003 Kansas City membership for the longest successful streak to start out a season in MLB’s Wild Card period.

The final season-opening successful streak longer than the Rays’ present run was the Brewers’ 13-gamer in 1987. Only six groups in AL/NL historical past have received 10 consecutive video games to start a  season, a membership the Rays will try to affix Monday night time towards the Red Sox.

Once once more, the Rays rode stellar beginning pitching and surprising home-run energy to win with loads of room to spare. Each of their 9 victories has come by not less than 4 runs, the second-longest streak in MLB historical past to start a season (behind the 1884 St. Louis Maroons, at 13) and the longest such streak at any level in a season for the reason that 1939 Yankees reeled off 10 in a row.