The Detroit Tigers defeated the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field in the first game of the series. Detroit pitcher Tarik Skubal struck out nine Tampa batters in six scoreless innings, Mark Canha and Parker Meadows homered as the Tigers dominated their rivals 7-1.
For the Rays it was their third loss in their last four games and the sixth in 10 games. Tampa first baseman Yandy Díaz spoke with Bally Sports about the team’s lack of offense against the Tigers. “Skubal was combining pitches well and knew how to take advantage of that,” said Díaz.
In reference to his performance as the second place hitter, a role he is not used to, the defending AL batting champion said that it is the manager’s decision and he’s okay with it. “It’s an at-bat like any other, everyone knows that I’m not hitting well right now, but as long as I’m playing little by little things are going to get better.”
Rays first baseman Yandy Diaz talks about the struggles against Tarik Skubal and the loss to the Tigers tonight. #RaysUp pic.twitter.com/cgNRzbrPFM
— Bally Sports Florida & Bally Sports Sun (@BallySportsFL) April 23, 2024
“You always want to try to win, things are not going well, but I think that with the work we are doing every day the team is going to start to improve.” The Cuban commented on his offensive production as of late with the Rays. “To be honest I’m not even sixty percent yet, but little by little and as long as I keep working and have a positive mindset, things will work out for me.”
“Our team has not pitched or hit well so far this season, but we are still at beginning of the year and have to continue working hard to improve our performance and record.” The Rays, who have been unable to mount a winning streak, are a game under .500 (12-13) and as of right now sit in the cellar of the highly competitive American League East.