Given the number of them on the Rays roster, a former Mariner was likely going to play a part in the outcome of every game this series. It had already happened Friday night with Ji-Man Choi’s bases-loaded walk for the decisive run in a Tampa victory.
On Saturday, it was Mike Zunino’s turn to haunt his old team. The slugging catcher, who has struggled at the plate this season while losing playing time to Travis D’Arnaud, flashed some of the tantalizing power that made Mariners fans crazy with hope and frustration.
Zunino smashed a three-run homer off lefty Tommy Milone into the un-watching mass of imbibing and cavorting fans known as The Pen to ignite a four-run fifth inning and propel the Rays to a 5-4 victory over the Mariners.