It’s a hot April in Tampa, but I’m not talking about the weather (for once). I’m talking about the Tampa Bay Rays. So far in the 2023 MLB season, they’re standing alone (like Godsmack) as MLB’s only undefeated team in the season, with a 9-0 record. While undefeated starts in the sports world are common, the way the Rays have been doing it hasn’t been seen since the 1884 St. Louis Maroons started that season 13-0. The Rays have won all 9 games by 4 or more runs (the most dominant being a 11-0 victory against the visiting Oakland Athletics on April 9th). In fact, the last time any team won 9 games in a row by 4+ runs at any point in a season was 1939 (when the New York Yankees had 10 games in a row, when they won by such a margin). How are the Rays doing this? They have been doing it in all facets.
They lead MLB in runs scored (64), home runs (21), RBI (63), fewest strikeouts (51), fewest hits into a double play (3…tied with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Cincinnati Reds, & Cleveland Guardians), & at-bats per home run (12.67). In the American League, they have the 4th best amount of hits (75) & are tied for 5th in drawing walks (31). They have the 4th best hitting average in MLB (.282) & 3rd best on-base percentage (.365). Thanks to their MLB-leading slugging percentage (.576), they lead the majors in On-base Plus Slugging (.936).
On the pitching side, they have the best ERA (2.13), given up the 3rd fewest amount of hits (55), had the fewest runs scored against them (18), surrendered the fewest home runs (4…tied with the Cubs), tied for the 2nd fewest amount of walks (19) in MLB, & tied for fewest wild pitches thrown (1), this season. Also, they lead the AL for causing batters to hit into a double play (9) & the best walk rate (2.38), while they’re 4th in MLB strikeout to walk ratio (3.68).
If they keep this pace up, until Friday in Toronto (against the Blue Jays), they could either tie or eclipse a record that stands 139 years old. Though there are some minor weaknesses with the Rays, another key to their success has been being able to quickly correct those mistakes. Though they have had their years, where they looked like a team who could be on the verge of achieving something special, this year’s Rays team has been special, so far. Will they be able to keep this momentum going? Only time will tell.