Tampa Bay continued its 12-win, undefeated run at home. It was Randy Arosarena’s first walk-off hit since his major league debut. It was a counter punch to the White Sox’ intentional fourth pitch.
The Tampa Bay Rays won a 4-3, 10th inning victory over the Chicago White Sox in the ‘2023 Major League’ held at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida, USA on the 23rd (Korean time). Arosarena was responsible for all the team’s points from the first point to the end with 3 hits and 4 RBIs.
In the 10th inning of overtime, the White Sox’ intentional four-pitch strategy came out. After one out, Wander Franco’s intentional 4-ball sign메이저사이트 came out at the plate, and Jimmy Lambert faced Arosarena instead of Franco. It was clear that he intended to face right-handed hitter Arosarena instead of switch hitter Franco.
Tampa Bay players watching this scene had a premonition of ending victory. Arosarena had a timely hit to lead the game 3-2 again in the 5th inning following a 2-run homer in the first inning. I got a chance to finish in a situation where the feeling of hitting was ripe. Tampa Bay starting pitcher Shane McClarnahan looked back and said, “Really? I skipped it? I thought this.”
Arosarena finished the match as expected of his teammates. One ball was enough. When he first pitched a four-seam fastball in the middle, he didn’t miss it and connected it with a right-handed hit. The game ended when Vidal Brujan, who started from second base, stepped home. “I was happy to be in that situation,” said Arosarena.
Arosarena, who led the team’s home undefeated streak, said, “Everyone is just doing their part. Everyone helps each other and plays baseball. We will continue to do that. To keep the momentum going regardless of the record.”
Manager Kevin Cash said, “I was conscious of the breaking ball and tried to drop the ball somewhere on the grass without aiming for a home run. I think it helped to produce good results.”
Meanwhile, White Sox coach Pedro Grifol explained briefly, “I wanted a matchup between Lambert and Arosarena.” It is explained that he was a choice to gain a matchup advantage regardless of the result. However, Lambert has a hit rate of 0.263 against right-handed hitters and 0.182 against left-handed hitters this year.