WASHINGTON — What the Rays have done during their record-setting run to open the season is impressive enough, as Wednesday they stretched their winning streak to six games. They extended their stay as the only undefeated, and best, team in the majors with a 7-2 win over the Nationals.
But what is more significant, especially as it portends for the full season, is how they have done it — playing extremely well in just about every facet of the game.
Scoring early and often. Getting clutch, and key, hits. Swatting homers. Using their speed and athleticism to create runs. Getting dominant outings from their starters. Throwing strikes. And playing dazzling defense.
Wednesday’s win showcased a bit of all of that.
Randy Arozarena got them started, first with a running and leaping catch to snuff a first-inning Nats rally, and doing his arms-crossed gesture in front of the bullpen, where the Rays relievers cheered him. Then he dropped a bunt single and made a daring dash and headfirst slide home on a sacrifice fly for Tampa Bay’s first run.
Wander Franco continued his hot start with a two-run homer and a single, increasing his average to .417. Jose Siri extended his RBI streak to all five games he has played. Harold Ramirez had his first two hits.
As a team, the Rays rapped 11 hits from seven players, with six scoring runs and five logging RBIs.
All-Star starter Shane McClanahan delivered a solid six innings, at his best after allowing four straight hits and a run in the fourth, narrowing the Rays’ lead to 3-2. He then got three straight outs, a fly to right and two strikeouts, hitting 99.4, 99.6. 99.3 and 100.3 mph on his final four fastballs.
Taylor Walls made a hands-quicker-than-the-eye tag at second for an out. Manuel Margot laid out for a running and diving catch in right field, his second in the first week.
The 6-0 start is the best in the majors since 2016, when the Orioles won their first seven. The major league record is 13 by the 1982 Braves and 1987 Brewers.
