On August 22, 2021, the Tampa Bay Rays showed why their depth made them one of baseball’s toughest teams.
Facing the American League Central-leading Chicago White Sox at Tropicana Field, the Rays pieced together a 9-0 shutout and a series victory. Chris Archer, making his return to the Rays’ rotation, pitched two scoreless innings before leaving with left hip tightness.
Shawn Armstrong followed with two scoreless innings and four strikeouts, while Adam Conley and Chris Mazza helped carry the game to the ninth. Josh Fleming then closed things out with three innings for his first Major League save. Together, the five pitchers held Chicago to just seven hits.
The offense provided plenty of support. Wander Franco went 2-for-5 with an RBI and three runs scored, while Austin Meadows drove in three runs on three hits. Francisco Mejía (pictured) delivered the biggest blow in the sixth, lining a bases-clearing double to give Tampa Bay a 6-0 lead.
It was a memorable example of the depth and determination that defined the 2021 Rays.
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