For the first game of the double header, the Rays skinned a bunch of Smurfs alive to create their “retro” jerseys and pants in an effort to try and blind the competition. It was an effective strategy, as the Rays emerged victorious in extra innings despite a ten-swinging-strikeout performance from Sonny Gray and a season-high sixteen hits and five runs scored from the offense.
With a minimum of eighteen innings to be played on the day it was imperative that Game 1 starter Sonny Gray pitch effectively and efficiently to preserve the bullpen. And for the first three innings of the game, that’s exactly what the team got.