Tampa Bay Rays center fielder Cedric Mullins celebrates with shortstop Taylor Walls (6) and second baseman Ben Williamson (15) after the team defeated the Miami Marlins during a baseball game Friday, May 15, 2026, in St. Petersburg, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)
Cedric Mullins Powers Red-Hot Rays Past Marlins for 11th Win in 13 Games
The Tampa Bay Rays continue to look like one of the hottest teams in baseball.
Behind a huge night from Cedric Mullins and another strong all-around team performance, the American League East-leading Rays rolled past the Miami Marlins 7-2 on Friday night at Tropicana Field. The victory marked Tampa Bay’s 11th win in their last 13 games and extended their home winning streak to an impressive 11 straight contests.
With timely hitting, aggressive baserunning, and dominant pitching, the Rays once again showcased why they are quickly becoming one of the toughest teams in Major League Baseball to slow down.
Mullins Delivers Spark at the Top
Cedric Mullins was the catalyst offensively for Tampa Bay, finishing the night with a home run and three singles in four at-bats while also stealing a base.
It was Mullins’ most productive game at the plate since May 21, 2023, when he collected five hits as a member of the Baltimore Orioles.
The veteran outfielder consistently pressured Miami’s defense throughout the night with both his speed and contact hitting. His solo homer in the sixth inning added another insurance run and energized an already lively Tropicana Field crowd.
Mullins also played a major role in Tampa Bay’s aggressive second inning, beating out a bunt single before stealing second base and eventually scoring on hustle and smart baserunning.
Yandy Díaz Sets the Tone Early
The Rays wasted little time jumping on Miami starter Janson Junk.
Yandy Díaz got Tampa Bay rolling in the bottom of the first inning with a two-run homer that immediately gave the Rays control of the game.
From there, Tampa Bay’s relentless offensive style took over.
In the second inning, Richie Palacios turned what appeared to be a harmless pop fly into a hustle double, setting the stage for more Rays magic on the bases. Mullins followed by laying down a bunt and racing safely to first, putting pressure on Miami’s infield defense.
Hunter Feduccia later brought Palacios home with a sacrifice fly, while Mullins aggressively advanced around the bases before sprinting home on a softly hit Taylor Walls chopper to first base.
Those kinds of small-ball moments continue to define this Rays team during its recent hot streak.
Tropicana Field Catwalk Robs Rays of Another Homer
The Rays nearly delivered back-to-back home runs in the sixth inning.
After Mullins launched his solo shot, Hunter Feduccia crushed a fastball deep into right-center field. However, Tropicana Field’s famous catwalk interfered with the ball, causing it to ricochet back onto the field for a ground-rule double instead of a home run.
It was another bizarre Tropicana Field moment that left players and fans reacting in disbelief.
Even without the homer, Tampa Bay continued to pile pressure on Miami pitching throughout the game.
Rays Pitching Continues to Shine
Tampa Bay’s pitching staff once again delivered a strong performance.
Opener Ian Seymour retired the first five batters he faced and needed just nine pitches to get through the opening inning before Connor Norby connected for a second-inning home run.
Jesse Scholtens took over in relief and provided exactly what the Rays needed. The right-hander improved to 4-2 on the season after tossing five effective innings.
Miami center fielder Jakob Marsee accounted for the only other damage against Scholtens with a solo home run in the sixth inning.
After that, the Rays bullpen slammed the door shut, retiring the final 10 Marlins hitters in order.
Tampa Bay also improved to 4-0 this season when utilizing an opener strategy.
Rays Continue Building Momentum
The Rays are clearly finding their rhythm as the season progresses.
With contributions throughout the lineup, elite pitching depth, and aggressive fundamentals, Tampa Bay is beginning to resemble a legitimate American League contender.
Miami starter Janson Junk fell to 2-4 on the season after struggling to contain the Rays’ balanced offensive attack.
The series continues Saturday with Miami expected to send right-hander Sandy Alcantara (3-2, 3.90 ERA) to the mound against Tampa Bay’s Nick Martinez (4-1, 1.70 ERA).