The Tampa Bay Rays (2-0) defeated the Detroit Tigers (0-2) 12-2 on Saturday afternoon at Tropicana Field. The win gives the Rays a series win for opening weekend, with a chance to sweep on Sunday.
After taking a 1-0 lead in the first inning, the Rays offense erupted with a seven-run third inning to turn this game into a blowout. Yandy Diaz and Wander Franco both had three hits to set the pace, including a 2-run homer from Yandy in the fourth inning.
Zach Efflin looked good in his Rays debut, pitching five innings of one-run ball to start the game. He allowed just the one earned run on three hits while striking out five and walking one.
The Rays will now look to sweep the Tigers on Sunday afternoon, during which the Rays will honor the late Don Zimmer in a pregame ceremony. First pitch is scheduled for 1:10 PM - pregame coverage begins with Neil Solondz hosting This Week In Rays Baseball on 95.3 WDAE & AM 620.
PHOTO COURTESY GETTY IMAGES