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Tampa Bay Rays VS St Louis Cardinals
#MLBTheShow #RaysUp #ForTheLou

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Transcript
00:18To the land of the free
00:24And the home of the brave
00:38The crowd is amped up, ready to get this season underway, as are we.
00:43Back with more in a minute.
00:50Live from Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri, opening day baseball on the show.
00:56It's the Tampa Bay Rays taking on the St. Louis Cardinals.
01:07John Shomby, Chris Singleton with you.
01:09So the Tampa Bay Rays, looking like a team that could make some noise.
01:13It's a strong roster to start the year.
01:15Where do you think they stack up among the league's best?
01:18They're definitely contenders, no doubt about that.
01:21Plenty of talent on this roster.
01:23Maybe not a juggernaut, but a good team.
01:26And I think they might need to patch some holes at some point, though.
01:29Yeah, Tom will tell, of course, but I agree with you.
01:31They look like they're set up to play meaningful baseball all the way to game 162, maybe beyond.
01:39All right, we'll be back to get this one started after this.
01:55Today's starting pitcher, Matthew Liberatore.
01:58What do you have on him, singing?
02:00Try to stay back for that power change-up.
02:03Speed differential between the fastball and the change-up is huge.
02:07Hitters, they have a hard time staying back.
02:14All right, ready to get underway.
02:16Jonathan Arunda, now at the plate.
02:18Jonathan Arunda.
02:25And we're off and running in a brand new season.
02:37First pitch, 315.
02:400-1 down.
02:44Inside, ball one.
02:52And that is out of play.
02:55He's dealing with a great two-strike hitter right here.
02:58The strikeout is not automatic.
03:03On the ground.
03:04And that chance handled.
03:06The throw to first.
03:07A great play deep in the hole.
03:10Now a look at Kevin Cash's lineup for the Tampa Bay Rays.
03:20Yandy Diaz, now.
03:32Aye!
03:34Diaz wants another look at the called strike.
03:37It's a challenge.
03:38And it's going to stay a strike.
03:40One challenge remaining for them now.
03:44Just getting started here in St. Louis.
04:11Foul it off.
04:12And they'll do it again.
04:22Inside.
04:22Inside.
04:22Almost got him.
04:23This guy's a fun guy to watch taking it bad.
04:25He just battles up there.
04:27He doesn't take a pitch off at all.
04:29Makes it so difficult on the pitchers out there.
04:31You can tell they get frustrated with how long it takes to put him away.
04:35Inside.
04:36Backs him off again.
04:38Well, you've got to establish the inside part of the plate early.
04:41And that sends a message, not just to this hitter, but to the rest of the lineup as well.
04:46That's ball four.
04:48Tried another fastball, but missed the spot.
04:50Man, that's a tough one to take on the full count.
04:52But I guess he saw it really well.
04:55It's a really nice plate appearance.
04:57One out man at first.
04:59Now the third baseman, Junior Caminero.
05:02Yep, that ball went out.
05:14On the ground to the left.
05:16And foul ball.
05:21A 1-1.
05:23And that one is in for a strike.
05:25Looks like he's just sizing him up there.
05:27Really good pitch to hit, but he took it all the way.
05:30Sometimes guys just want to set their timing.
05:32Later on in the game, that may be a pitch that he turns on.
05:36Puts and misses.
05:37It's a strikeout.
05:38Oh, really went aggressive in with that slider.
05:41Good two-strike pitch right there.
05:43At worst-case scenario, it's weak contact in play.
05:47Exactly where he and the catcher wanted him.
05:49So next to the plate for Tampa Bay, Cedric Mullins.
05:55Hammered down the right side, but foul.
06:05Diaz leads off first with two down to the inning.
06:13High fly ball, right field.
06:15Church on his way over.
06:17Pulls it down and he makes the catch.
06:20Now the Cardinals will see what they can do.
06:23There's no score.
06:24You're watching Major League Baseball on the show.
06:33We go to the bottom of the first.
06:35And our pitcher in this game, Drew Rasmussen.
06:38Chris is up three ERA for him a year ago.
06:42Well, when your numbers are coming in under three as a starting pitcher that's going out there
06:46every fourth or fifth day, taking the ball, competing against really good big league hitters,
06:51it's extremely impressive.
06:53And you wonder what he figured out last year that he can carry into this season
06:58that can help him to maintain that number or even drop it lower.
07:02We'll see.
07:03But we know he's got good stuff.
07:05And he's...
07:05Ah, that hit him.
07:06That got him.
07:07And the leadoff band is aboard to start the inning.
07:11Now the number two hitter, Alec Burleson.
07:16Went with the sweeper, but it misses.
07:27Roll the short, possible two ball.
07:29They take the force out as they pass up the chance at the double play.
07:34Good that they weren't overzealous there.
07:36Just take the shirt out.
07:37Keep the run out of scoring position.
07:39Here's Nolan Gorman.
07:56Delivers a pitch in for a strike at 95.
08:00Man at first, one away.
08:02Swings, threw it in.
08:03That's a strikeout.
08:06Here's the Cardinals lineup now.
08:08With an excellent arm on the mound, Singy, this won't be easy.
08:12They'll need to take advantage of the opportunities that they do have.
08:16You're right about that, Boob.
08:17Odds are they won't have many chances against this guy,
08:20but if they can rattle him out of the gates, they'll have a shot.
08:22If not, look out.
08:24It might be a long day for this offense.
08:27That is the inning.
08:30Scoreless after one.
08:38Second inning, set to go.
08:40And stepping in for the Rays, Taylor Walms.
08:50Liberatore making his first start of the year.
08:53The former first-round pick back in 2018.
09:10Ball one.
09:19Jackknife's out of the way.
09:40Jackknife's out of the way.
09:41Chandler Simpson will hit next.
09:50Ball in.
09:58Now that's smack to right center.
10:00And that's a base hit.
10:03So they get a man aboard with a one-out single.
10:12Batting seven.
10:14Jake Fraley next to hit for the Rays.
10:21Right there for a strike.
10:33Hard liner.
10:36Brings it in.
10:38Pro behind the runner.
10:40They've got a double ball.
10:42We'll go to the bottom of the second.
10:44No score.
10:50Back here in St. Louis.
10:51Ready to go for the last half of the inning.
10:54Ramona Rios digs in now.
10:57And a foul ball.
11:06Ball one.
11:09James Kingsley working the plate.
11:11Kingsley's pretty well-respected around the league.
11:13Yeah, when you talk to players,
11:14I think consistently he's one of the guys
11:17you hear compliments about.
11:19Players appreciate the job he does back there.
11:21Yeah, that's kind of all you can ask for, really.
11:23Just a fair chance to go out and have success.
11:33Right side.
11:34And that's just foul.
11:41Good eye right there.
11:43That's inside.
11:43Really good take, especially with two strikes.
11:50Foul.
11:51We'll see another payoff pitch.
11:53Really great change of speeds.
11:55He goes off the off-speed to the fastball,
11:58and the hitter doesn't know what's coming next.
12:00That one misses.
12:01So a lead off walk.
12:04Victor Scott next up for the Cardinals.
12:07Third baseman playing on the edge of the grass,
12:09looking for the sack bun.
12:13And that's in for a strike.
12:15And it's all in one.
12:19Out to short.
12:23To first.
12:24Oh, he fits.
12:24And everyone's safe.
12:26That's why you run hard 90 feet.
12:28Take nothing for granted,
12:29especially when you've got great speed.
12:31I'll take the infield knock.
12:36First and second.
12:38No outs.
12:39Mason Wynn getting ready to hit.
12:45The Cardinals with a chance to score first
12:48here on opening day.
12:50So now it's all about protect mode.
12:52Try to shorten up.
12:53Try to track the ball.
12:55In there.
12:56Got him looking for the K.
12:58And that is a big first out.
13:01So digging in,
13:03Jordan Walker.
13:07Off the plate ball.
13:08All eyes on the double play ball in this spot.
13:10No better way to get out of this inning.
13:15Out of line.
13:16Out towards center.
13:18And that's a base hit.
13:21Oh, the throw is wild.
13:22Here comes the runner.
13:25He scores and they have the lead.
13:271-0.
13:35Here's the rookie right fielder,
13:37Nathan Church.
13:44Traffic on the bases with one already in.
13:47You're in game one of this three-game set.
13:50He makes the grab.
13:52Runner tags for home.
13:54Save.
13:54And they add to their lead as the run scores from third.
13:58That play really shows how important it is to hit the cutoff man.
14:02Looked like he tried to throw through and get the runner at home,
14:05but it backfired.
14:06And it ended up costing them a run.
14:08I remember my rookie year overthrowing a cutoff man.
14:11Didn't last long before I was pulled aside by a veteran pitcher.
14:15He had a talk with me.
14:16I don't know if I ever missed a cutoff man again.
14:23Man on second.
14:24Two down.
14:25In the air.
14:27Out towards left center.
14:29And that is the inning.
14:33But two runs form and they jump ahead.
14:35End of two here at Bush Stadium.
14:37It's the Cardinals to the Rays.
14:41New inning getting started.
14:43And now the catcher for the Rays, Nick Fortes.
14:50Right through there for a strike.
14:52Well, we call that key holy.
14:54Even though it's right there and looks pretty good,
14:56if he doesn't love it,
14:58he's not going to swing that early in the count.
15:02High fly ball out to left field.
15:04Walker has a beat on it.
15:07And there's one down.
15:12Batting ninth, the designated hitter, Gavin Lux.
15:15Here's Gavin Lux to hit.
15:24There's the strike.
15:36Yeah, that's fouled off.
15:41The 0-2.
15:45And down on strikes.
15:47And there's two away.
15:48Well executed pitch on the outside part of the plate.
15:57Here's the Rays leadoff hitter, Jonathan Aranda.
16:04Up the middle.
16:06Win.
16:08And it's a 1-2-3 inning.
16:11It's the Cardinals to the Rays nothing.
16:17Welcome back.
16:18Here's a look at this team's early season projection.
16:21Baseman, Alec Burleson.
16:28Ground ball left side.
16:30And it goes just foul.
16:35Foul ball.
16:42Ball.
16:42That's outside.
16:49Stays alive.
16:57Knocks that one away.
16:58And we'll do it again.
17:01The 1-2.
17:03Gets a piece.
17:05And stays alive.
17:13That's foul off to the right side.
17:15Keeps the A-B going.
17:19Here's a 1-2.
17:21Got him looking.
17:22He didn't make it easy for him on the mound.
17:25But they still get the strikeout.
17:28Nolan Gorman.
17:30Next up for the Cardinals.
17:32Struck out swinging his first time.
17:38And immediately pumps in a strike to the left-handed hitter.
17:44Comes up empty.
17:46Another 0-2 count right here.
17:48Pitcher just in the driver's seat.
17:50He can go anywhere he wants to go right here.
17:52Strike three.
17:53And that's two in a row.
17:55Came after him with the fastball on 0-2.
17:57And that's a pretty good demonstration of what power pitching is all about.
18:01He's got the stuff, obviously.
18:03Right there, he used it to put his opponent away without needing to waste any pitches.
18:07Pajas in the box as he fouls off the first pitch.
18:11Two down.
18:12Nobody on.
18:13Ball.
18:14That's just out.
18:23Here's a 1-1.
18:26And it stays fair.
18:30Takes the turn.
18:31He's digging for second.
18:33He's there.
18:34It's a two-out double.
18:36Man, he just absolutely turned on that one.
18:38Ripped it down the line.
18:40Nice job of staying in his mechanics.
18:45Now it's the second baseman.
18:47Ramon Arias.
18:48He walked and came around to score his first time.
18:52Right through there for a strike.
18:58Check, swing, and he went.
19:00No balls, two strikes.
19:03Rutter at second.
19:04Two down.
19:05Here in the last half of the third.
19:07Caught him looking for the K.
19:09So a two-out double, but they don't score.
19:11Three innings complete.
19:12It's the Cardinals two.
19:14The Rays nothing.
19:17Yeah, I'm going to elevate.
19:22Let's go, let's go.
19:25Back here at Bush Stadium.
19:27And stepping in for the Rays.
19:29Yandy Diaz.
19:35That one close.
19:36Rule the ball.
19:37Ball one.
19:38Well, these Rays just lacking discipline at the plate in this ballgame.
19:42They're chasing a lot of pitches outside the zone.
19:44And those chases that are turning into a bunch of outs.
19:47Can they turn that around and stay within the zone?
19:49We'll see.
19:50But I think they have to.
19:56Line drive.
19:57Base hit.
20:00And that'll bring the tying run to the plate.
20:04Up next for Tampa Bay.
20:05Third baseman.
20:06Dominant performance for him today, Boob.
20:09Just two hits allowed so far.
20:11No runs across either.
20:12And he's had an answer for just about every hitter he's faced.
20:16So, I don't think this hit is going to knock him off his stride too much.
20:19Caminero stands in now and watches strike one.
20:24Well, he's been incredibly efficient in this one.
20:26First pitch strike percentage over 70%.
20:28That's well above league average.
20:31And that's what's allowed him to pitch well up until this point.
20:33That one is absolutely belted.
20:35Carrying well.
20:37Into the bullpen and gone.
20:41His first homer of the year.
20:43And we have a tie ball game.
20:45It's 2-2.
20:56A good hitter gets pitch recognition early.
20:58He saw exactly where that was going to be.
21:01The challenge, not get over anxious and come out of your swing.
21:05He stayed on it and got all of it.
21:10Mullins batted for the second time.
21:13And that's strike one.
21:15Nobody on, nobody out.
21:16A pair of runs across in the inning here on opening day.
21:21Swing and a miss.
21:22Chased it out of the zone.
21:24Spin rates outstanding on that high fastball.
21:27Really tough to hit.
21:30Goals down, swinging for the strikeout.
21:33And that's the first out.
21:34Nice recovery after giving up the homer.
21:36Well, that right there is just a pitcher's pitch.
21:38Tailing away from the hitter.
21:40Lowing away with some good action at the end.
21:43You know, even if he gets the bat to that ball,
21:45it's probably just a weak ground ball to the opposite side.
21:48Tell you what, that's a tremendous two-strike pitch.
21:50Win.
21:52Throw to first is in time.
21:55Up next for Tampa Bay.
21:57Left fielder, Chandler Simpson.
22:00You got to be kidding me.
22:02Did you see that throw?
22:03Not really, Boog.
22:04I mean, it happened in the blink of an eye, it seemed.
22:07But thankfully, StatCast is here to help us out.
22:10I mean, you don't see many throws across the infield
22:12that get up into the 90s.
22:14So he really reached back for that one.
22:16And he had to to get the out.
22:18Simpson, the next to hit, takes ball one.
22:26Face, knock, center field.
22:29And that extends the inning.
22:32He made that look easy.
22:33Keeping his bat in the zone on playing for a long time.
22:37That leads to a high contact rate and more barrels, Boog.
22:41Even when you don't get it great,
22:43it still hit hard enough to dunk something in like that in front of the center fielder.
22:46Fraley in the box with two gone.
22:49And it takes a look at a called strike.
22:59Hit on the ground up the middle.
23:00That's a base hit.
23:05They stopped the lead runner at second.
23:07Now two on with two outs.
23:11I know that was a ground ball, but it was absolutely hammered through the infield.
23:15That's not one you're excited to get in front of if you're an infielder.
23:18You know they used to say, charge it.
23:20Crazy.
23:21So next to the plate for Tampa Bay, Nick Fortes.
23:25Rips that one to right.
23:27And that's the third out.
23:31The Rays with a two-run homer.
23:342-2 game.
23:43Ready to go.
23:44Bottom four.
23:45And stepping in for the Cardinals, Victor Scott.
23:48Victor Scott, the second.
23:52You know, these Cardinals showing great discipline at the plate.
23:56And patience definitely seems to be the name of their game in this one.
23:59They're doing a good job of working the pitch count, and they've been able to push a couple
24:03of runs across to score as well.
24:05Still relatively early, but with the pair of runs already on the board, the ripple effect
24:09of that high pitch count might set them up to do more damage later in this game.
24:14Here's a 2-1.
24:16Swing and a pop-up.
24:21Caminero takes it in for the out.
24:24One away.
24:26And here's a look at how he's using his pitches in this one.
24:29Mason Wynn.
24:32Now, here is Mason Wynn.
24:35Struck out looking at his first at bat.
24:41Spits the plate.
24:42Strike one.
24:47Called strike right there.
24:49Ball tied up.
24:51We're here in the bottom of the fourth.
24:55Swing and a miss, and he struck him out and to a laydown.
24:59Came inside with that two-strike fastball nicely and just bunched him up on the inside
25:04part of the plate.
25:05Couldn't get around on it and catch it out front.
25:07Many times if you do, it's a foul ball.
25:09And you know a lot of pitchers, they really don't like working inside with two strikes
25:13because they do not want to hit that batter.
25:15And when they've got him up against the ropes, got to figure out a way to put him away.
25:19Did a nice job right there.
25:22That's a hit.
25:23So a two-out knock keeps the inning alive.
25:32Nathan Church, the next to hit.
25:34Nathan Church.
25:53Here's the 0-2.
25:56Twings and misses.
25:57It's a strikeout.
25:58Picks up strikeout number seven.
26:00So one hit is all they get.
26:02On to the top of the fifth we go.
26:04We are tied.
26:062-2.
26:15Back here in St. Louis at the plate now for the Rays is the D.H.
26:19Gavin Lux.
26:25And there's a foul ball.
26:27Lux goes 5 feet 11 inches.
26:3128 years old.
26:32And he's one of the few players in Major League Baseball born in Wisconsin.
26:36In the air.
26:37Right field.
26:38Church.
26:39Under it.
26:40And there's one down.
26:45And here's a look at how he's using his pitches in this one.
26:48Jonathan Aranda.
26:53So the Rays batting order turns over.
26:56Jonathan Aranda now at the plate.
26:58Has grounded out a couple of times.
27:05Lined in to right.
27:07And there's two down.
27:11Up next for Tampa Bay.
27:13First baseman, Yandy Diaz.
27:16So next to the plate for Tampa Bay.
27:18Yandy Diaz.
27:24Going along.
27:25I think he was a little excited there.
27:28Saw the fastball.
27:28But he's a step ladder to get to that one.
27:30He's going to have to tighten it back up.
27:32He wants to have a good at-bat.
27:34Foul off left side.
27:40Two down.
27:41Nobody on.
27:43And a foul ball.
27:45He stays alive.
27:50Field two.
27:53That one's upstairs.
27:55Ball one.
27:55That's a really good job of laying off the 0-2 high fastball.
27:59It's going to make that pitcher really have to respect this hitter,
28:02even though he's behind in the count.
28:04Ball two.
28:11That one misses.
28:13And the count is filled up.
28:14Recognize that changeup right out of the hand.
28:16Just spit on it.
28:20And that's a strikeout looking.
28:22That was pretty nasty.
28:26Rays go in order.
28:27One, two, three.
28:28Score remains.
28:29Two, two.
28:33We head to the bottom of the fifth.
28:35Here's the Cardinal DH.
28:37Ivan Herrera.
28:39You know, these cards looking to string together better at-bats when they have runners on,
28:44but it just hasn't happened for them yet.
28:46They only have one hit with runners in scoring position,
28:48so a lot of squandered opportunities.
28:50It's tough because those are moments you just can't get back.
28:56Foul off down the right side.
29:04Fights it off.
29:05He'll see another.
29:13Diaz.
29:15He takes it on his own,
29:17and that's the first out at the bottom of the fifth.
29:20Up next for the Cardinals.
29:22First baseman, Alec Burleson.
29:25So up next, Alec Burleson.
29:34Swing and a miss.
29:35Missed that by a mile.
29:37That's strike one.
29:43High in the air, out to right.
29:45Fraley on the move.
29:47Pulls it down, and he makes the catch.
29:50And there's two down.
29:52Up next for the Cardinals, third baseman, Nolan Gorman.
29:57So digging in, Nolan Gorman cruising on the mound right now,
30:01but a dangerous hitter here in this spot.
30:03A guy with some slug to him.
30:13Two down, nobody on.
30:15Last half of inning, number five.
30:18Got him swinging for the K.
30:21And he's updating strikeouts in this one.
30:23Through five.
30:24All even at 2-2.
30:35Back here in St. Louis.
30:37Close game here and a chance now to look at a few highlights from this one.
31:06Junior Caminero will hit next.
31:09Third baseman, Junior Caminero.
31:17Tap foul at the plate.
31:26Next offering is fouled back.
31:37Oh, look at the stop.
31:38Over to first.
31:39And they get the out.
31:43Up next for Tampa Bay, center fielder, Cedric Mullins.
31:49Here's the center fielder, Cedric Mullins.
31:52Three-pitch strikeout last time up.
31:55Got to put up more of a fight in this one.
31:59On the ground right side.
32:01And that one handled.
32:02Tosses to first.
32:04Fine playing the hole for the out.
32:06Up next for Tampa Bay, shortstop Taylor Walls.
32:10Taylor Walls.
32:12Next to hit for the Rays.
32:13A switch hitter batting right.
32:30That's the third.
32:32And that chance handled.
32:34Over to first.
32:35That ends the frame.
32:37Home half of the sixth inning coming up.
32:39Deadlocked to two apiece.
32:45Back here at Busch Stadium.
32:48And now the Cardinals catcher, Pedro Paz.
32:52Close one.
32:53Doesn't get the call.
32:54Ball one.
32:59And that one is lifted in the air.
33:02Mullins in position.
33:04And there's one away.
33:08Up next for the Cardinals.
33:10Second base hitter.
33:11So up next.
33:12Ramon Urias.
33:14Ramon Urias.
33:14A strikeout and a walk.
33:17Hey.
33:23That's a bullet, but it goes foul.
33:31That one, 95 to finish him off.
33:34Up next for the Cardinals.
33:37Center fielder.
33:38Victor Scott, next up for the Cardinals.
33:41One for two.
33:58And first offering is fouled off.
34:06Two down, nobody on.
34:08And he grounds one back up the middle.
34:11Play made.
34:12That ends the inning.
34:14Six innings behind us.
34:16All square at two and two.
34:22Welcome back.
34:23We're in the seventh.
34:24We have a new pitcher on the mound.
34:25Riley O'Brien.
34:26The offense will need to be ready for the breaking stuff.
34:30He's got a great curveball.
34:32Left fielder.
34:32And stepping in for the raise, Chandler Simpson.
34:35He's two for two.
34:40That's a ball.
34:48Way inside.
35:00Outside, that's a ball.
35:043-0 down.
35:07And he walked in.
35:08No, ball four.
35:08And the go-ahead run is on base.
35:10Oh, that's a really dangerous base runner to put on first, especially in a tie game.
35:15And now there might be some consequences coming from that mistake.
35:19So, next to the plate for Tampa Bay, Jake Fraley.
35:27There was a high-velocity fastball in the zone.
35:30I think a little frustration from walking the previous hitter.
35:33He's got good stuff.
35:34Pitch inside the zone and trust it.
35:38Here's your one.
35:40Back up the...
35:41Oh, that got him!
35:44To first, and he beats it.
35:46Everyone's safe.
35:49And now the hustle out to check on him.
35:51That was quite a shot he took as you see him down on a knee.
35:56Yeah, clearly in some real pain.
35:57But he will not want to come out of this game if he doesn't have to.
36:01It's looking to me like he's going to try to shake it off and continue.
36:04So, the go-ahead run is into scoring position.
36:07Nick Fortes next to hit for the raise.
36:19And that drops in for a strike.
36:22Action in the St. Louis bullpen.
36:24Gordon Graceffo, the hard-throwing righty, is up and loosening.
36:27Romero also getting ready.
36:36The 0-1.
36:39Sliced hard, but foul.
36:500-2 now.
36:52On the ground, right side.
36:55Lays out.
36:56Oh, it's off his glove.
36:57To first, and he beats it.
36:59Everyone's safe.
37:00Well, that was an important at-bat in this game.
37:02So, great job there.
37:04Stepping up to the challenge.
37:05Now a huge at-bat in this game coming up.
37:12And now it's Gavin.
37:20Golden opportunity right here.
37:28And that's in for a strike.
37:30In the infield at the corners.
37:32Don't be surprised to see them come home first and prevent that run from scoring.
37:43Just foul down the right field line.
37:45Wow.
37:46They need a strikeout.
37:47And you need a ball perhaps on the ground for a double play or get yourself a pop-up or
37:52something.
37:52But you've got to make some pitches.
37:54Got him swinging for the strikeout.
37:56That is a huge out.
37:59Wow.
37:59Well, I don't think there's a hitter alive that hasn't at some point succumbed to that pitch right there.
38:04It just looks like it's in the zone the entire way.
38:07And then the topspin and gravity take over in the blink of an eye.
38:10And it's just such a tough pitch to lay off of.
38:12Next to hit, Jonathan Arundel.
38:15Arundel at the plate now.
38:16And that's strike one.
38:21The race with the go-ahead run at third.
38:24Here are the top half of inning number seven.
38:29On the ground.
38:30Could be two.
38:31There's one.
38:32And that's two.
38:36Just trying to sneak one through with the bases loaded.
38:38But an excellent job by the defense to turn that one and get out of this jam.
38:51Welcome back.
38:52Taking a look at our game summer.
39:07Ian Seymour on the pitch here.
39:09Ready to make his season debut.
39:18Oh, that's inside.
39:27Struggled a little bit in this one.
39:29A couple of strikeouts earlier.
39:30But doing a much better job at this at bat to get ahead and find a good hitter's count at
39:352-0.
39:37Right through there for a strike.
39:39In today's game, not that many fastball counts.
39:41But hitters still in the back of their minds.
39:43They're looking for one.
39:452-0 changeup call right there.
39:46Excellent pitch selection to go with.
39:49Swing and a miss.
39:50And a count down even up.
39:55Swings through that one.
39:56It's a strikeout.
39:57Well, that's a blue zone right there.
39:58Or the cold zone on the hitting chart.
40:01Just doesn't have much success in that part of the strike zone.
40:05And a really good job of the pitcher executing.
40:08Try to go there as often as you can.
40:10The numbers are in your favor.
40:12Two up, two down.
40:15Bill, that was a pitch you got to crush.
40:17Unbelievable that he missed it right there.
40:19And I'm telling you, he is going to be frustrated with himself until his next at bat.
40:27So digging in, Nathan Church.
40:32Now he's challenging the cold strike.
40:36Good eye at the plate.
40:38They'll overturn the call.
40:40Still two challenges left for them.
40:46Chew down, nobody on.
41:00Ground ball right side.
41:02It squirts through.
41:04So the go-ahead run is on base with a knock.
41:08He kind of rolled over on this pitch a little bit.
41:11But he got enough behind it to shoot it through for a knock.
41:14You'll take that any time you can get him to find a hole.
41:16And now let's see if they force some action with good wheels on the bases.
41:31And this place is rocking.
41:34And they jump in front in the seventh.
41:37It's 4-2.
41:39You're not going to be able to wipe the smile off his face for a while, Boog.
41:42He just changed the game.
42:05It's like he's playing wiffle ball up there.
42:07That's typically not the easiest way to hit a home run.
42:10The slight opposite field into the gap.
42:13Man, making it look easy, that's for sure.
42:16So two down.
42:17Alec.
42:25Also, next up for the Cardinals.
42:29And that's in there at the knees for a strike.
42:38There's a swing and a drive.
42:40Does it have enough?
42:42And he can't quite get there.
42:44It's a foul ball.
42:49The 0-2.
42:52Drilled out towards left center field.
42:54That's well struck.
42:57He won't get there.
42:59That should be extra bases.
43:01And he's got a double.
43:07When you go 0 for 5, 0 for 7, 0 for 8, it seems like an eternity.
43:12Especially start the season.
43:13Because that's the one thing.
43:14Players want to get that fortune out of the way.
43:16So that they feel like, alright, I'm going to avoid this prolonged 0 for
43:20to start the season and get into a slump.
43:22Gorman swings through it for strike one.
43:27Next offering is foul ball.
43:33Swing and a miss.
43:34Struck him out.
43:35That ends the inning and stops things from getting out of hand.
43:39Two runs for St. Louis on this blast.
43:41It's now 4-2.
43:43Major League Baseball is on the show.
43:51We go to the 8th.
43:53And stepping in for the Rays, Yandy Diaz.
44:01In the air, right field.
44:04Takes it in for the out.
44:12So up next, Junior Caminero.
44:15He's already homered here in this one.
44:23Gets him to chase after that one.
44:26Movement in the bullpen for the Cardinals.
44:28Max Swanson.
44:28The closer is getting ready and perhaps looking at a long save opportunity here.
44:35Pitch is in the dirt.
44:37One ball, one strike.
44:38O'Brien, the 6'4 righty.
44:4131 years old.
44:42And he was drafted in the 8th round.
44:44Ball two.
44:45Back in 2017.
44:48The 2-1.
44:51And there's a ball.
44:52First pitch strike from the pitcher, but then no panic at all by the hitter.
44:56Very patient.
44:57Showing good discipline.
44:58Now he's in the driver's seat with a 3-1 count.
45:03Fly ball to right.
45:05Church coming on.
45:07That's out number two.
45:13Up next for Tampa Bay.
45:15Manager out of the dugout, and he's going to make a change.
45:19Riley O'Brien, done for the afternoon.
45:22Two-run ball game as he heads for the dugout, and we'll be back with a new pitcher.
45:34New pitcher for the Cardinals, Jojo Romero.
45:37He's into the game, but the base is empty.
45:43Cedric Mullins digs it.
45:49Now, 0 for 3.
45:51A fly out, a ground out, and a strikeout.
46:00Two down, nobody on, and we're in the top of the eighth.
46:08Got it started a little too early.
46:10Strike one.
46:11The pitch started in and ended up on the outside edge.
46:15Just changing planes, and very difficult.
46:18Stressing for the left-handed hitter to track.
46:28Back.
46:28Two down, nobody on.
46:32Swing and a bit struck him out, and that is that.
46:35Rays held in check here.
46:37They trail it here.
46:384-2.
46:43Back down, new pitcher on the mound as we roll into the bottom of the eighth.
46:47Jesse Schulten's getting ready to make his season debut.
46:55Pedro Paz getting ready to hit.
46:58One for three.
47:00Pedro Paz.
47:04And one fouled off.
47:17Swing and a pop-up.
47:19Vowl territory for the catcher.
47:21One up, one down.
47:27Up next for the Cardinals.
47:30Ramon Arias.
47:32Next up for the Cardinals.
47:34Went down looking on three pitches last time.
47:37Let's see if he can be a little more aggressive right here.
47:40Just missed.
47:42Just missed.
47:51Back to the mound.
47:52He's got it.
47:53Slings the first two out.
47:55Off-speed pitch, and it looked like he just continued his momentum towards home plate after releasing that.
48:02Perfect position to make a play and help himself out.
48:09Scott in the box here and fouls it off for strike one.
48:19Bunt to 10, but that goes foul.
48:26And he'll two.
48:29Out to short.
48:31Walls.
48:33Tosses to first.
48:35St. Louis goes down in order.
48:37It's the Cardinals for the Rays, too.
49:00Welcome back, and here comes the closer, Matt Sponson.
49:05The chance at his first save of the year.
49:08Now it's the shortstop, Taylor Walls.
49:110 for 3 in this one.
49:16Swing and a foul back.
49:17That's out of play.
49:24The 0-1.
49:26A little out front there as he swings through.
49:35Way inside, gets out of the way.
49:49Way inside, gets out of the way.
50:01Fouls it back with two strikes.
50:10Another 1-2.
50:12And he grounds one to the right side.
50:16Tosses to the pitcher, covering the bag.
50:18Now one gone in the night.
50:20Tampa Bay, left fielder, Chandler Simpson.
50:25So digging in, Chandler Simpson.
50:50Here comes the 0-1.
50:53Swing and a foul out of play.
51:04Out towards right center field, Church.
51:07Should have this one.
51:09Out, number two.
51:13Up next for Tampa Bay, right fielder, Jake Fraley.
51:17So it's their last chance in this one.
51:19And now the right fielder, Jake Fraley.
51:27Sponson, going for save number one in this spot.
51:49Two down, nobody on.
51:52Up the middle, dives, but it kicks off his glove.
51:56And he'll just eat it, so that's an infield knock.
51:59One out away from this game being over, but an infield single keeps them alive.
52:04They're still breathing, and maybe this provides that last-minute spark.
52:08Here's the catcher, Nick Fortes.
52:15That's outside.
52:27Tying run at the plate.
52:29Hit to second, and this should do it.
52:33Throw the first.
52:34Ball game.
52:35And the Cardinals collect their first win of the season.
52:39The ball for his first career save deserves to be on display at his house.
52:42I mean, it's kind of like when a restaurant frames its first dollar bill somewhere on a wall.
52:46You just can't forget your first save.
52:48And your final 4-2.
52:50For Chris Singleton and our entire outstanding crew here at MLB The Show,
52:54I'm John Shombie saying so long.
52:56I'm John Shombie.
52:58We'll see you tomorrow.
53:02We'll see you tomorrow.
53:10Sad.
53:11By the mouth looking well, they up drives.
53:13Shawty, I slip like Fred O'Bank.
53:15Staying on the lane, down 4-5.
53:17Stick, we slip like 4-5.
53:18Keep your cool, won't be no fire.
53:20I'm fish like water, your daughter.
53:22Mike Trilly Joe, but I ain't gonna lie.
53:24I'm on my lap like evil genius
53:26I'm about to change this damn time
53:28I'm gonna get it laid back like evil Steven
53:30Don't need a reason, we on down
53:32Stand on E-U-S-I-N defense
53:34Yes, I'm blessed like him
53:35In the gym
53:36Don't miss sex with some day
53:38I'm not like them
53:39Let me state my case
53:40Sprint out the race, no chase
53:41Outpace, just came out the gate
53:43And we still gon' hate you
53:44Take place
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