The Rays, on their first west coast swing of the season, went 1-5 and lost three straight games in one-run fashion. and in the last game of the series in Chavez Ravine in the ninth inning, I watched Cedric Mullins strike out swinging with the bases loaded.

That was my boiling point with Mullins, as I grew frustrated with his swing results, or lack thereof, because I know what he is capable of.

In the 15 games since, he is slashing .321/.362/.547 with four homers, and, boy, did he show up to play tonight.

Mullins led the charge tonight, going 2-4 with a home run and a run scored to lead the Rays to their eighth straight win, and take a four game lead in the American League East over the Yankees.

Tonight was also his third straight game with a round tripper.

Ian Seymour had a stellar night as well, going six innings, with the Royals whiffing at 15 swinging strikes and striking out a career-high eight batters.

On a night where Yandy Diaz, Jonathan Aranda, and Junior Caminero, Tampa Bay's big three, combined to go just 1/11, Chandler Simpson went 3/4 with a stolen base and two runs.

Taylor Walls, slashing .318/.423/.409 over his last seven games, stroked a double, and Hunter Feduccia went 3/4 with an RBI.

Just as the Rays get ready for the All-Star break, it feels like the local stingrays are in a great mood.

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