The Tampa Bay Rays returned to Petco Park for the first time since clinching the American League pennant in 2020. However, this time they would face off against the star-laden, but struggling San Diego Padres, not the Houston Astros.
The Padres, who boast a lineup featuring Juan Soto, Manny Machado, and Xander Bogaerts entered Friday night with a 33-35 record, and in fourth place in the NL West. The Rays, in stark contrast, opened in first place in the AL East, featuring the best record in baseball.
In what should have been marque pitching matchup between Shane McClanahan and You Darvish, turned out to be more of a one sided affair.