Tampa Bay Rays Beat Mariners as Kevin Cash's Pinch-Hit Masterclass Fuels Series Win

The Tampa Bay Rays stayed hot with a 6-1 win over the Mariners as Kevin Cash's late-game strategy sparked the offense. Griffin Jax delivered another strong start, Ryan Vilade hit a clutch three-run homer, and the Rays moved closer to the All-Star break on a high note.

The Tampa Bay Rays are staying hot as they prepare to head into the MLB All-Star Break. They took down the Seattle Mariners 6-1 and sealed the series victory at Tropicana Field on Saturday. Here is what you need to know from the contest.

Kevin Cash Masterclass The Rays bats did well at the plate Saturday night, recording 12 hits and bringing in 6 runs despite only being 3 for 13 with runners in scoring position. Thanks to their manager, the team was set up for success against what is usually tough Mariners pitching.

After Mariners manager Dan Wilson decided to keep Logan Gilbert in the game in the bottom of the seventh inning, the Rays capitalized in a big way. Jonathan Aranda got things started in a big way with a stand-up double to get himself on base. After they decided to walk Junior Caminero in hopes of avoiding the home run ball, Kevin Cash had other plans for the Seattle squad visiting Tropicana.

Once Wilson finally went to the pen to make a change for lefty Gabe Speier, Cash made a change as well. He pinch-hit Ryan Vilade for Cedric Mullins, and on the first pitch of the at-bat, he gave the Rays a commanding lead with a 3-run homer. An absolute masterclass on manipulating the Tampa Bay lineup.

Aranda was great from the plate all night, going 3 for 4 with an RBI. Ben Williamson was also fantastic with the lumber, going 4 for 4 with an RBI. Another Great Day of Pitching for the Rays Griffin Jax continues to prove he is a valuable piece of the rotation for the Rays after picking up his fifth win of the season on Saturday.

He allowed the Mariners only one run in the second inning but settled in nicely after that. Jax went 5 full innings and picked up 3 strikeouts in the process. The Rays offense allowed Kevin Cash to rest his heavy hitters in the bullpen, and the staff still did what was needed of them.

The Trio of Cam Booser, Garret Cleavinger, and Casey Legumina went 4 strong innings of scoreless pitching and picked up a combined 7 strikeouts in the process. This leaves both Kevin Kelly and Bryan Baker available for the last game before the lengthy All-Star Break on Sunday. Rays Legend Evan Longoria Honored The organization is celebrating longtime Tampa Bay Ray Evan Longoria this weekend as he is set to be inducted into the Rays Hall of Fame.

He gave a speech before the game, and the crowd in attendance wore hats with his iconic number 3 on them. During his ten years with Tampa Bay, Longoria played in 1435 games, had 1471 hits, 261 home runs, and an .823 OPS. He was the team's first-round pick (third overall) in the 2006 MLB Draft.

The Tampa Bay Rays will go for the sweep and finish the first half of the season on a great note as they will take on the Seattle Mariners one more time in the series finale on Sunday. Ian Seymour (6-1, 4.11 ERA) will get the start for the Rays. He will take on right-hander Emerson Hancock (6-4, 3.23 ERA) for the Mariners.

First pitch is scheduled for 1:40 PM EST.