Rays fall to 13-16 after three game series at Guarantee Rate Field. Wow.
“Sunburst Awards” is a series-by-series evaluation of player performance, where four different awards are given out after each series: Offensive player of the series, defensive player of the series, pitcher of the series, and highlight play of the series. This edition will be covering the ninth series of the season, where the Tampa Bay Rays took on the Chicago White Sox from April 26th through April 28th, a three game series at Guarantee Rate Field.
The Rays follow up two straight series losses with a three game affair against the 22-loss Chicago White Sox. This should be a great opportunity to get back on track, right?
Game 1: Rays - 4 White Sox - 9 (recap)
Game 2: Rays - 7 White Sox - 8 (recap)
Game 3: Rays - 2 White Sox - 4 (recap)
Get comfortable folks, you’re in for a special edition this time.
Offensive Sunburst Award: Brandon Hagel
Hagel was unstoppable offensively in game four of the Lightnings first round playoff series against the Florida Panthers.
With two goals and an assist, the 25-year-old Canadian DID HIS JOB in what was a must win game for the Lightning down 3-0 in the series.
Brandon Hagel cellying and feeding off the home crowd before saying “Lets fucking go” is absolute rockstar shit pic.twitter.com/Eos6PFN0Jh
— NICK PAUL’S HYPEMAN (@BLXCKMASS1) April 27, 2024
Hustle, intent, and passion were on display from the young winger (what a concept) as he helped keep the Lightning alive in an eventual 6-3 win to force game five.
Pitching Sunburst Award: Taj Bradley
Perhaps the only thing Rays related to be excited about this weekend, Bradley went five no-hit innings in Durham against the RellRiders, with just one walk in the outing.
Taj Bradley's first rehab start went pretty, pretty well.
— Minor League Baseball (@MiLB) April 28, 2024
The 23-year-old @RaysBaseball righty (peck strain) for the Triple-A @DurhamBulls today:
5 IP
0 H
0 R
1 BB
7 K pic.twitter.com/uzrh4pG5VX
Bradley’s elite outing provides fans wit hope that his call back to the Rays rotation may be coming soon, cause my goodness to they need something right now.
Defensive Sunburst Award: Jonathan Isaac
Isaac played a prime role in the Magic’s game four victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers to tie the series at two games a piece.
The 26-year-old recorded seven rebounds, two blocks, and a steal as the Magic held the Cavs to just 89 points as Orlando would score 112 in the win.
Orlando now has an opportunity to take the series lead on Tuesday.
Highlight Sunburst Award: This series finally ending
For the first time ever, this editions Sunburst Award is going to the other team for finally putting us out of our misery by ending this series.
Conclusion
After an embarrassing and depressing performance against the now-six-win Chicago White Sox, The Rays deservedly have fallen to last place in the AL East.
Unfortunately, the Rays are getting right back to it tomorrow as they will face the 17-9 Brewers in what we can all pray will at least just be a watchable series. First pitch tomorrow is set for 7:40.
