Zobrist, Niemann help Rays sweep Twins

Also of note is the Cliff Lee-like performance by Rays starting pitcher Jeff Niemann. The towering Texan had faced the minimum number of hitters through five frames, throwing just 47 pitches during that span. Denard Span broke up Niemann’s no-hit outing with a leadoff single in the bottom of the seventh. Span eventually scored on a two-out base hit by Justin Morneau.

The Rays avenged that run in the top of the eighth. Zobrist—who else?—led off with a double. Advancing to third on a Kotchman grounder, Zobrist easily scored on a single by Rodriguez, retaking the five-run margin—and 5:1 ratio—to stay well-ahead of the Twins.

Juan Cruz took the hill for the Rays in the ninth after Joel Peralta threw a flawless eighth. Cruz caught Span and Jason Kubel looking with a sick backdoor cutter as his put-out pitch.

“Dominant” isn’t a word to be taken lightly in the context of major league sports, but good luck finding a better one to describe this double-header that sealed the series sweep. Zobrist picked up seven hits and 10 RBI between the two games. As ridiculous as his performance was, Niemann’s outing may have meant even more to this Tampa Bay team. His return to form can only mean great things, with all five members of the Rays’ rotation heating up.

The Rays are three games over .500 for the first time this year. The bats have come alive and starting pitchin’ is bitchin’. It’s a good time to be a Rays fan.

As a result of the quality starts by the Rays’ rotation, the bullpen will be fresh for the series against the LAA Angels. Ace lefty David Price (3-2, 3.19 ERA) is scheduled to start Friday night against the Halos’ Ervin Santana (0-3, 5.51); first pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m.

Follow Kevin on Twitter: @KevinTall.