Rain Follows the Tigers to Tampa in Historic Series Opener vs. Rays
It seems like wherever the Detroit Tigers go lately, the rain follows. After a soggy stretch back home in Detroit, the Tigers were looking to reset and refocus as they hit the road for a new series against the Tampa Bay Rays. But even the Sunshine State wasn’t immune to the storm clouds shadowing this team. Friday, June 20 was supposed to mark a fresh start — a unique and historic opener at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, as the Rays temporarily call it home following Hurricane Milton’s destruction of Tropicana Field's roof. But just like the previous days, weather had other plans.
Earlier this week, the Tigers had their game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on June 18 postponed by rain. They attempted to make up for it with a doubleheader on June 19, splitting the series in dramatic fashion. The first game started 40 minutes late, and the second was drawn out until nearly midnight after yet another rain delay interrupted the ninth inning at Comerica Park.
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Fast forward to Friday, and the Tigers are in Florida to take on the Rays — a team hot off a back-and-forth series against Baltimore. But what should have been a first pitch at 7:05 p.m. was delayed nearly an hour by an unexpected downpour in Tampa. Despite a relatively clear forecast, a sudden storm swept in, echoing the Tigers' recent struggles with weather disruptions.
What makes this delay stand out even more is its location: George M. Steinbrenner Field, typically used for Yankees spring training and Low-A ball. It’s not just a new venue for the Tigers-Rays showdown — it’s a piece of baseball history being made. This marks the Rays’ first full series at the site, and for Detroit, it’s a rare and unusual setting to kick off a road trip.
Jack Flaherty was set to start for Detroit against Tampa’s Shane Baz, in a game that holds more than just standard AL matchup implications. Detroit sits at a strong 48-28, looking to extend a road-series winning streak that dates back to April 30. Meanwhile, Tampa Bay, 41-34, has been inconsistent but explosive at the plate, with recent games producing both offensive blowouts and scoreless showings.
While we wait for the skies to clear, fans are left wondering: is this just a passing summer storm, or is Mother Nature trying to tell the Tigers something? Either way, Detroit will need to stay locked in. With the division race heating up and the postseason picture starting to take shape, every inning counts — rain or shine.
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