SANTO DOMINGO, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC – MARCH 09: General scenes prior to a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Tampa Bay Rays at Estadio Quisqueya on March 09, 2024 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
The Tampa Bay Rays and the Boston Red Sox traveled to the Dominican Republic this weekend. Rays owner Stu Sternberg told the Tampa Bay Times these trips are a great opportunity for the Rays to expand their fan base.
On the plus side, Randy Arozarena got his first hit during Spring Training. His 0 for 17 start was starting to cause some concern. It wasn't enough though as the Boston Red Sox swept the two game series with the Tampa Bay Rays. Saturday's game was a shut out with the Rays losing 4-0. Today's game was a bit closer with a 7-6 final.
It wasn't an easy traveling experience for the teams. It was about a 1 hour drive to the hotel from the airport. Tomorrow the Rays are back home at Charlotte Sports Park for a game with the Toronto Blue Jays at 1:05PM. Right now the Rays sit at the bottom of the Grapefruit League standings with a record of 4-10. The Blue Jays aren't faring much better.
If you want to see the Rays a little closer to home, they'll play the Pittsburgh Pirates in Bradenton on March 17, the Philadelphia Phillies at BayCare Ballpark in Clearwater March 21 and March 25, and a game at The Trop Tuesday, March 26.
The games that count are still a few weeks away. The Rays open their regular season at The Trop Thursday, March 28. At last check the game hasn't sold out yet. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
2024 Dominican Republic Series - Boston Red Sox v Tampa Bay Rays
SANTO DOMINGO, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC - MARCH 09: Fans take photos outside prior to a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Tampa Bay Rays at Estadio Quisqueya on March 09, 2024 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
2024 Dominican Republic Series - Boston Red Sox v Tampa Bay Rays
SANTO DOMINGO, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC - MARCH 09: Jonathan Aranda #62 of the Tampa Bay Rays hits a single during the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at Estadio Quisqueya on March 09, 2024 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
2024 Dominican Republic Series - Boston Red Sox v Tampa Bay Rays
SANTO DOMINGO, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC - MARCH 09: A young fan holds up a sign that translates to "We want Wander Franco" during a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Tampa Bay Rays at Estadio Quisqueya on March 09, 2024 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
2024 Dominican Republic Series - Boston Red Sox v Tampa Bay Rays
SANTO DOMINGO, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC - MARCH 09: Jacob Waguespack #67 of the Tampa Bay Rays looks on during the third inning against the Boston Red Sox at Estadio Quisqueya on March 09, 2024 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
2024 Dominican Republic Series - Boston Red Sox v Tampa Bay Rays
SANTO DOMINGO, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC - MARCH 10: Manager Kevin Cash of the Tampa Bay Rays speaks during a press conference prior to a game against the Boston Red Sox at Estadio Quisqueya on March 10, 2024 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
2024 Dominican Republic Series - Boston Red Sox v Tampa Bay Rays
SANTO DOMINGO, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC - MARCH 09: Former professional baseball player and baseball hall of famer Pedro Martinez throws out the ceremonial first pitch prior to a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Tampa Bay Rays at Estadio Quisqueya on March 09, 2024 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
2024 Dominican Republic Series - Boston Red Sox v Tampa Bay Rays
SANTO DOMINGO, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC - MARCH 10: Harold Ramirez #43 of the Tampa Bay Rays warms up prior to a game against the Boston Red Sox at Estadio Quisqueya on March 10, 2024 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
2024 Dominican Republic Series - Boston Red Sox v Tampa Bay Rays
SANTO DOMINGO, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC - MARCH 10: Richie Palacios #1 of the Tampa Bay Rays reacts after hitting a one run home run during the fourth inning against the Boston Red Sox during a spring training game at Estadio Quisqueya on March 10, 2024 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
2024 Dominican Republic Series - Boston Red Sox v Tampa Bay Rays
SANTO DOMINGO, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC - MARCH 10: Curtis Mead #25 of the Tampa Bay Rays reacts after hitting a one run home run during the sixth inning against the Boston Red Sox during a spring training game at Estadio Quisqueya on March 10, 2024 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
2024 Dominican Republic Series - Boston Red Sox v Tampa Bay Rays
SANTO DOMINGO, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC - MARCH 10: Richie Palacios #1 of the Tampa Bay Rays reacts after hitting a one run home run during the fourth inning against the Boston Red Sox during a spring training game at Estadio Quisqueya on March 10, 2024 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
2024 Dominican Republic Series - Boston Red Sox v Tampa Bay Rays
SANTO DOMINGO, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC - MARCH 10: The Red Sox dugout reacts after Bobby Dalbec #29 of the Boston Red Sox hits a grand slam home run during the sixth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays during a spring training game at Estadio Quisqueya on March 10, 2024 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
2024 Dominican Republic Series - Boston Red Sox v Tampa Bay Rays
SANTO DOMINGO, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC - MARCH 10: Curtis Mead #25 of the Tampa Bay Rays reacts after hitting a one run home run during the sixth inning against the Boston Red Sox during a spring training game at Estadio Quisqueya on March 10, 2024 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
2024 Dominican Republic Series - Boston Red Sox v Tampa Bay Rays
SANTO DOMINGO, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC - MARCH 09: General scenes prior to a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Tampa Bay Rays at Estadio Quisqueya on March 09, 2024 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
