Desmond Jennings enjoys spotlight after 10th inning homer to win game for Tampa Bay Rays – MLB News
The Tampa Bay Rays won their last fixture of the series against the Texas Rangers 5-4 on Wednesday, September 7 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg.
The win marked a special moment in history for the franchise as they snatched their 1,000th victory with a late 10th inning homer from left-fielder Desmond Jennings.
Jennings was overwhelmed by his team-mates at home plate when he completed his winning run in the 10th inning. The rookie made a mark in history and he also crushed his weak hit average of 3 for 35. The young star was not the only hitter to snatch
a homer in the night as designated hitter Brandon Guyer smashed a homer in the sixth inning as well. With two rookies slamming homers, manager Joe Maddon could not have been more proud.
The skipper was especially enthralled by Jennings walk off homer. "Beautiful," Maddon said. "That's a nice milestone, and many more thousands to come."
For the rookie, it was the same feeling. "That was probably the most exciting thing I've done in a while," said Jennings.
Rays went up against a hard offensive line up. Nevertheless, they managed to pummel them in style. Maddon has faith in his rookie players and he explained his thoughts clearly.
"Even though we're playing these young guys, that means nothing," Maddon said. "We're not giving up, we're not conceding, we're not just trying to give guys playing time. We believe these guys can play well now, and they're showing it."
Jennings faced Mark Lowe in the 10th and he was waiting on a fastball pitch. As soon as he got one, he pulled it into the air. He was pretty sure the ball would cross the yard.
"I did [know]," Jennings said. "I thought I did until I saw Hamilton running back for it and was like, 'Where you going?' But it got out."
With a growing talent in the squad, the Rays can hope to do well this season. If they do their job well, they may have a chance to dethrone the Boston Red Sox from the wildcard berth position in the American League.
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