Tampa Bay Rays Defeat Mariners 7-2 to Improve MLB's Best Home Record

The Tampa Bay Rays picked up their 55th win of the season after taking down the Seattle Mariners 7-2 in the series opener at Tropicana Field. 

Here is what you need to know about the contest.

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Martinez Steps Up

Coming fresh off the news of him being named to his first All-Star Game, Nick Martinez got the start for the Rays. On the mound in the opener against the Mariners, the right-hander got the job done and picked up his 8th win of the season.

The only real issue of the night came from a solo homer from Cole Young on his changeup. Batters have hit .137 on that pitch entering the contest, and the young Seattle batter just went and got it. He finished the day allowing 2 earned runs on 4 hits across 5.1 innings of work. 

The Rays bullpen kept base traffic to a minimum for the remaining 3.2 innings, only allowing 1 hit and no walks to seal the deal against the M's.

Home Run Party for the Rays

It was a party at Tropicana welcoming the Mariners pitching to town as the Rays hit 4 homers in the contest. 

The normal culprit, Junior Caminero, found his 28th of the season go over the fence and still has two games before the All-Star Break to reach 30, but he wasn't the first Rays player to get it going on Friday night. 

Richie Palacios hit his 3rd of the season in the 4th inning to get most of the scoring going for Tampa Bay. He was quickly followed by both Cedric Mullins (11th) and Victor Mesa Jr. (5th) in the fifth inning. 

Mesa had an overall great day at the plate, going 3 for 4, including his solo homer. Jonathan Aranda was also hot at the dish, going 3 for 5 with a run, adding to his case of why he should also get a call like Martinez for an All-Star selection. 

Rays Record At Tropicana Continues to Be Impressive

Tampa Bay has been great to the Rays this season, as they continue to lead all of baseball with the best home record. After Friday's win, they moved to 34-14 on the season, only one of 3 teams that has surpassed 30 wins at home this year. 

The Rays will be back in action and will look to pick up their final series win before heading into the All-Star break against the Mariners. They currently hold a 4-game lead against the New York Yankees and would also love to add more before taking the week off. 

Griffin Jax (4-6, 3.60 ERA) will get the start for the Rays as he will take on right-hander Logan Gilbert (7-5, 3.19 ERA). First pitch is scheduled for 4:10 PM EST. 

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