Alexei joins Rays’ homer bash with big smash

TORONTO — Home runs have been a part of the Rays’ DNA in 2016.

In Tuesday night’s 6-2 win over the Blue Jays, the Rays crept to within one of the single-season club record of 199 — and they did so with a bang.

Alexei Ramirez, whom the Rays recently signed after he was released by the Padres, stepped to the plate with two aboard in the fifth. The veteran shortstop had not homered since taking Drew Smyly deep at Tropicana Field on Aug. 15 as a member of the Padres.

“I did know about that,” said Ramirez through the Rays’ team interpreter. “I wasn’t thinking about that at the time.”

Blue Jays starter Marcus Stroman got ahead in the count, 0-2, before Ramirez swung at a 92-mph fastball and drove the pitch over the wall in left.

“I was just looking for a pitch to hit in the zone,” Ramirez said. “He was having a pretty good night against us. And sure enough, I was able to find one and connect.”

Ramirez took a moment to reflect on how his fortunes have changed over the course of the past week.

“I was at home last week in San Diego,” Ramirez said. “The Rays got in touch with my agent. Before that, I …

continue reading in source mlb.mlb.com