ST. PETERSBURG — Brad Miller’s season-opening slump was a topic of conversation before Sunday’s game against the Orioles in Baltimore.
The shortstop, acquired from Seattle in part to help the offense, entered the game hitless with one walk in his first 14 plate appearances.
What Miller needed, Rays manager Kevin Cash said, was one good game or maybe even one big hit to ignite his bat.
That appeared to happen in the fifth inning when, with the Rays down a run, Miller drove the ball to deep right field only to see a three-run homer become the inning-ending out when Mark Trumbo made the catch with his back against the wall.