Shane McClanahan's return to the mound was a moment many had been eagerly anticipating. It had been a long journey back from injuries since August 2023, but tonight, McClanahan was ready to remind everyone of his All-Star caliber. The Brewers, meanwhile, were showcasing their offseason efforts to strengthen their rotation, with Brandon Woodruff on the mound after his own return from a year-long absence.
The Rays wasted no time making their presence felt. Jonathan Aranda launched a one-out homer, giving them an early lead.
However, the Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) system played a role, overturning a call that led to Junior Caminero striking out. Despite this, McClanahan took the mound with confidence, retiring the Brewers in order in the bottom of the first.
The second inning saw McClanahan encounter his first challenge, issuing a walk to Gary Sanchez. Yet, he quickly regained control, ending the inning without further incident.
Chandler Simpson provided a spark in the third, challenging a strike call before singling and stealing second. Unfortunately, the Rays couldn't capitalize, leaving him stranded.
As the game progressed, McClanahan continued to showcase his skills, maintaining command through the fourth inning. Nick Fortes added to the Rays' lead with a leadoff homer in the fifth, providing some much-needed insurance.
However, the bottom of the inning saw McClanahan's momentum falter. After walking Gary Sanchez and allowing a single to Brandon Lockridge, things unraveled.
Joey Ortiz walked, and Brice Turang's single brought Sanchez home. A controversial review ruled Turang safe at second, allowing Ortiz's run to count and giving the Brewers the lead.
McClanahan's night ended with a line of 4 2/3 innings, 2 hits, 3 runs (2 earned), 3 walks, and 4 strikeouts.
The Brewers capitalized on the shift in momentum. Gary Sanchez hit a solo homer in the sixth, extending their lead. Despite the Rays' efforts, including a strong triple from Simpson in the seventh, they couldn't close the gap.
In the eighth, Jake Bauers' leadoff homer further cemented the Brewers' advantage. The Rays tried to rally in the ninth, but it wasn't enough, and the game concluded with a Brewers victory.
McClanahan's return was a mixed bag, showcasing flashes of brilliance but ultimately falling short. The Rays will look to build on the positives as they move forward, while the Brewers' bolstered rotation continues to pay dividends.