2024 Sunburst Awards: New York Mets games 33-35
Rays advance to 17-18 after three games series in Tropicana Field.
“Sunburst Awards” is a series-by-series evaluation of player performance, where four different awards are given out after each series: Offensive player of the series, defensive player of the series, pitcher of the series, and highlight play of the series. This edition will be covering the 11th series of the season, where the Tampa Bay Rays took on the New York Mets from May third through May fifth, a three game series at Tropicana Field.
The Rays debut their well-received City Connects in a three game weekend series against the Mets.
Game 1: Mets - 8 Rays - 10 (recap)
Game 2: Mets - 1 Rays - 3 (recap)
Game 3: Mets - 6 Rays - 7 (recap)
Offensive Sunburst Award: Yandy Diaz
Diaz has finally started to return back to his normal self with an impressive series against the Mets this weekend, notching six hits, four RBI, a walk and a run in the three game affair.
The star first basemen struggled in April, with just a .272 OBP, however a good weekend series against the Mets could potentially lead to a more successful May out of the defending AL Batting Champion.
This marks Diaz’s second Offensive nod, having won it during the opening weekend of the series.
Defensive Sunburst Award: Ben Rortvedt
Rortvedt earns his first defensive nod of the season after an impressive strike-em-out throw-em-out play in a tight second game of the series.
The young catcher gunned down Harrison Bader trying to steal second after a review and got the Rays an inning-ending double play.
Despite this being just his first Defensive Sunburst, Rortvedt has the highest defensive WAR on the Rays currently at 2.9.
Pitching Sunburst Award: Zack Littell
Littell earns his second Sunburst nod with an impressive day at the mound in game two of the series, giving up just one run and six hits in six innings.
The former reliever gave the Rays exactly what they needed in the Saturday night affair, as the Rays put up just one run in the first seven innings but were able to stay in the game because of Littell’s impressive performance.
While the right hander earned a no decision in the eventual win, he certainly played a big part in a tight win to clinch the series win for the Skyrays.
Highlight Sunburst Award: Jonny Deluca
The Rays ended their city connect debut weekend with maybe the craziest play of the season thus far, earning Jonny Deluca his first Sunburst of the year with a wild walk-off in just his 11th at bat as a Ray.
The leftfielder’s line drive to center field looked to at least tie the game, however a missed dive by Harrison Bader brought Rortvedt into score and won the game for the Rays securing the sweep.
Conclusion
The Rays notch their first sweep of the season, winning all three games against the Mets this weekend and getting some much needed momentum. The Rays will pick right back up on Monday by facing off against the Chicago White Sox, this time at home for a three game series where the Rays will be seeking revenge. First pitch on Monday is at 6:50.