2024 Sunburst Awards: Chicago Cubs games 67-69

Rays advance to 33-36 after three game series at Tropicana Field

“Sunburst Awards” is a series-by-series evaluation of player performance, where four different awards are given out after each series: Offensive player of the series, defensive player of the series, pitcher of the series, and highlight play of the series. This edition will be covering the 22nd series of the season, where the Tampa Bay Rays took on the Chicago Cubs from June 11 to June 13, a three game series at Tropicana Field.

The Rays follow up a four game sweep against the Orioles with a three game series against the Cubbies with a chance to get back on track.

Game 1: Rays - 5 Cubs - 2 (recap)

Game 2: Rays - 3 Cubs - 4 (recap)

Game 3: Rays - 3 Cubs - 2 (recap)

Offensive Sunburst Award: Yandy Diaz

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Diaz had himself another five-hit series against the Cubs, racking up a walk and an RBI to go along with it.

One of those hits was a clutch RBI single in the seventh inning of game three to give the Rays a late lead.

Diaz seems to be really returning to his prior form, batting .400 in his last seven games and .300 in his last 15. He’s also racked up three of the last four Offensive Sunbursts.

Pitching Sunburst Award: Taj Bradley

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Bradley was untouchable on Thursday, going seven innings allowing no hits and three runs and racking up 11 strikeouts.

This was likely Bradley’s best performance in the Majors so far, allowing just five baserunners in seven innings.

Defensive Sunburst Award: Taylor Walls

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Walls wins his first Sunburst of the season with this impressive and clutch dive to start the game ending and series clinching double play on Thursday.

Had Walls not made that diving play, at best the Rays are facing men on first and second with just one out, definitely a sweat for the series deciding game. Walls didn’t allow for that, flashing some impressive leather work to secure the W.

Highlight Sunburst Award: Brandon Lowe

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Lowe is becoming a highlight Sunburst merchant, winning his third award in this category, this time with an electric walk-off home run to end a four game losing skid.

Conclusion

The Rays got exactly what they needed out of this series, ending the homestand with a nice series win before heading to Atlanta to take on the Braves for a weekend series on the road. First pitch on Friday is at 7:20.