The Tampa Bay Rays take the field at Tropicana Field tonight trailing the Milwaukee Brewers 2-0 in the World Series, and Kevin Cash is not sticking with the same formula. Jonathan Aranda is out of the starting lineup, Ryan Belate gets the nod at first base, and Ben Williamson slides up to the fifth spot after hitting eighth in Game 1 and sitting out Game 2.
Yandy Diaz remains the leadoff hitter and the emotional anchor of the clubhouse, a role Cash says has grown year by year. There are crossover storylines all over this one as well. Jake Bauers, once a Ray, returns to the Trop as the Brewers’ NLCS MVP, and a ceremonial first pitch tied to the 2008 World Series team will set the scene before first pitch.
Sarasota fans gathered outside the stadium before the game were predicting a Rays series win in six or seven games. No panic in that crowd, just belief. This is a must-win night at the Trop, and the Suncoast will be watching every inning.
What lineup change are you most excited to see tonight? Let us know on our social channels.
