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Evan Longoria’s top five moments with the Rays

Longoria faces his former team for the first time Friday in the Giants’ home-opener in San Francisco
 
Evan Longoria connects for the game-winning home run against the New York Yankees in Game 162 on Sept. 28, 2011 at Tropicana Field. Longoria is scheduled to face his former team for the first time Friday in San Francisco as a member of the Giants. DIRK SHADD   |  Times
Evan Longoria connects for the game-winning home run against the New York Yankees in Game 162 on Sept. 28, 2011 at Tropicana Field. Longoria is scheduled to face his former team for the first time Friday in San Francisco as a member of the Giants. DIRK SHADD | Times
Published April 4, 2019|Updated April 5, 2019

With Giants third baseman Evan Longoria set to face his former team for the first time Friday, here’s a look at Longoria’s five biggest moments with the Rays:


5. 2008: A case for defense

Longoria’s signature defensive play became the barehanded pickup of a bunt and throw to first. He served notice that June in win over Lou Piniella’s Cubs, getting the final out.



4. 2017: Cycle time

With help from the replay system, Longoria joined B.J. Upton as the only Rays to hit for the cycle with his Aug. 1 effort in Houston


3. 2013: Game 163 homer

After the Rays completed a September rally to tie Texas for the wild-card spot, Longoria hit a two-run homer to back David Price’s complete game to send the Rays on to Cleveland.



2. 2008: Postseason party

Wrapping a debut season that would end with the AL Rookie of the Year award, Longoria homered on his first two playoff swings, and a record six times in the postseason.


1. 2011: Game 162 homer

Capping what some consider baseball’s greatest night, Longoria’s 12th inning walkoff blast, his second homer of the day, launched the Rays into the playoffs in a game they trailed 7-0. He joined Bobby Thomson as the only players to hit walkoff homers in the final regular season game to put their team into the postseason.