ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — When catcher Tom Murphy was acquired by the Mariners in an early season trade, he was determined to create an opportunity for himself. He revamped his swing. He meshed into the clubhouse culture. He did what was asked.
The trade has paid off handsomely.
Murphy had two home runs and four RBI on Monday night as the resurgent Mariners again made themselves at home. They scored early and often to flatten the Tampa Bay Rays 9-3 at Tropicana Field.
On the final stop of a three-city tour, the Mariners moved to 5-2 on the trip after posting series wins against the Tigers and Blue Jays.