Mullins' 2-run bomb, Seymour's gem lift Rays to eighth straight win
Cedric Mullins' clutch homer and Ian Seymour's dominant start led Tampa Bay past Kansas City 5-2, extending the streak to eight wins.
Cedric Mullins' clutch homer and Ian Seymour's dominant start led Tampa Bay past Kansas City 5-2, extending the streak to eight wins.
The Tampa Bay Rays extended their winning streak to eight games with a 5-2 dismantling of the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday night at Tropicana Field. Cedric Mullins provided the game’s biggest offensive punch with a two-run homer in the fifth inning, breaking a 1-1 deadlock and giving the Rays the lead they would never relinquish. But the story belonged to Ian Seymour, who silenced the Royals’ lineup for the second time in a week with six shutout innings, striking out seven and allowing just three hits.
Tampa Bay’s offense was otherwise quiet, managing only five hits total, but Mullins’ blast was all they needed. The Royals managed just two runs off Seymour, with Salvador Perez driving in both on a sixth-inning double that plated Hunter Dozier. Tampa Bay’s bullpen, led by closer Jason Adam, closed the door without incident, preserving the win.
The victory marked the Rays’ eighth straight win, their longest streak of the season, and moved them to 48-34 on the year, keeping them within striking distance of the AL Wild Card. Kansas City, now 35-46, dropped to 10 games back in the division and five out of the second Wild Card spot. The widening gap in the standings highlights the diverging paths of these franchises.
While Tampa Bay is solidifying its postseason credentials, Kansas City is facing a mounting deficit that threatens to bury their season before the trade deadline. Dropping games to divisional rivals is a cardinal sin in the playoff chase, and the Royals are finding it difficult to contain teams riding momentum. For the Rays, this series serves as a statement of intent, proving they can capitalize on an opponent’s struggles to pad their lead in the crowded Wild Card race.
Tampa Bay’s formula relies heavily on the symbiotic relationship between the rotation and the bullpen. Seymour’s ability to pitch deep into the game allows manager Kevin Cash to deploy his high-leverage relievers in optimal spots, rather than overextending them in early innings. With Jason Adam locking down the ninth, the Rays have created a seamless transition from starter to closer that leaves little room for opposing comebacks.
This structural efficiency is what separates good teams from great ones over the grind of a 162-game schedule. This run isn't a fluke of fortune; it is built on a pitching staff that has tightened the screws during the surge. Over the course of these eight victories, the Rays have consistently stifled opposing lineups, turning tight games into comfortable wins.
The ability to suppress scoring while the offense finds its footing is the hallmark of a team built for the grind of a long season, and Tampa Bay is executing that blueprint to perfection right now. Mullins’ contribution underscores the depth required to sustain a streak of this magnitude. With the lineup facing tough pitching and limited opportunities, the Rays have needed production from up and down the order.
Hitting a two-run shot in a tie game against a quality starter is the type of clutch performance that defines winning streaks, proving that this team does not rely solely on its stars to carry the load. Seymour’s outing was his second straight dominant performance against the Royals. He allowed one run over 12 innings in his previous start on June 18, striking out 15.
His latest effort further cemented his status as a pitcher who thrives against this lineup, giving Tampa Bay a reliable arm to lean on during their surge. What’s next: The Rays continue their homestand Friday against the Seattle Mariners, while the Royals travel to Houston to face the Astros in a four-game set starting Thursday. Read at ESPN
An eight-game winning streak is rare air in baseball, and the Rays are making it look effortless. The difference-maker has been Ian Seymour, who has now dominated the Royals twice in a week, proving he’s a pitcher Tampa Bay can trust in high-leverage spots. Meanwhile, Cedric Mullins’ timely power has provided just enough offense to keep the wins piling up. The streak keeps the Rays in the Wild Card hunt and sends a message: this team is peaking at the right time.
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