The University of Tampa Day at the Rays was held on September 26, 2021. UT students could purchase discounted tickets for $38 that had a $75 value. The tickets included a UT Rays stainless can koozie, which students could redeem by the 5th inning. The Tampa Bay Rays played against the Miami Marlins at the Tropicana Field, starting at 1:10 PM. Over 20,000 fans attended the game, and the game lasted two hours and fifty-four minutes. The day before, the Rays clinched the American League East division title after beating the Marlins 7–3.
Before the game begins, Brett Phillips and Joey Wendle perform stretches during their warmups. The first pitch was thrown by Shane Baz at 1:10 PM.
Thirty minutes into the game, the Tropicana Field was filled with an eager audience. On September 24 and 25, the Rays played the Marlins and won 8–0 and 7–3.
Wander Franco hits a pop-up as the catcher looks for the ball.
The twenty-year-old shortstop, Franco, hits a ground ball.
During the top of the 5th inning, I bought a pretzel and Sprite from a concession stand.
At bat, Brett Phillips, who made his first career pitching appearance on July 2, 2021, is ready to swing.
Phillips successfully hits the ball and begins to run to first base.
As the cowbells ring, some members in the crowd of Rays fans stood and clapped.
During the 5th inning, there was a meeting at the pitcher’s mound for a pitching change. Shane Baz left the game and was replaced by JT Chargois.
While I left the game early to avoid heavy traffic, the final score was 3–2 with a win for the Rays, their 97th win this year.
The Rays beat the Marlins 3–2, improving their standing to 97–59. The Rays’ starting pitcher Shane Baz pitched 5 2/3 scoreless innings. The relief pitchers included JT Chargois, Josh Fleming, and Nick Anderson. The Rays scored twice in the 1st inning and once during the 5th, while the Marlins scored in the 7th and 9th.
