Rays farmhand, Mitchell High product Garton loses strike zone

Baseball is a funny game

The Rays allowed four walks in the ninth inning — all by nonroster RHP Ryan Garton, a Mitchell High product — but didn't give up a run. Trying to close out the 3-2 game, Garton walked the first two Red Sox then fielded a line drive bunt and threw to second for a double play. He then walked the next two batters to load the bases, but RHP Mark Sappington came in to get a ground ball for a game-ending force play. Garton, who has walked only 102 in 2251/3 minor-league innings, was a bit perplexed: "I just couldn't find it today, for whatever reason."

Regular-season form

OF Brandon Guyer shattered the team record in being hit by pitches an AL-high 24 times last season. So it was hardly a surprise when he got plunked by Boston LHP Henry Owens to start Monday's game. "I didn't want to get that started this early," Guyer said. "I can't help instincts. If it's there, I just don't move. Although it's spring training, I'd like to, but I can't help it. I can't train myself to do that."

Number of the day

70 Worn by Monday's winner, nonroster RHP Adam Reifer, after a one-year hiatus (save for video guy Chico Fernandez's cameo appearance) following the departure of manager Joe Maddon

The dish Rays at Tigers

When/where: 1:05 today; Joker Marchant Stadium, 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland

Tickets: $15-24. Available through tigers.com, 1-863-686-8075.

Rays information: Toll-free 1-888-326-7297 (FAN-RAYS)

Pitchers: Rays — Erasmo Ramirez, Matt Andriese, Jake Faria, Jaime Schultz, Jhan Marinez; Tigers — Shane Greene, relievers TBA

Heads-up

Not too many regulars are scheduled to make the 2-plus-hour bus ride to Lakeland, with LF Desmond Jennings and 1B James Loney the biggest names. Tim Beckham is set to start at 3B as the Rays seek to settle on a backup there to Evan Longoria.

On deck

Wednesday: vs. Blue Jays, 1:05. Rays — Chris Archer; Jays — J.A. Happ

Thursday: vs. Pirates, 1:05. Rays — Drew Smyly; Pirates — TBA

Friday: at Pirates, 1:05. Rays — Jake Odorizzi; Pirates — TBA

Exhibition schedule

Rays tickets: Range from $10-29, available at raysbaseball.com, by calling toll-free 1-888-FAN-RAYS (326-7297), and at CSP or Tropicana Field box offices, team Tampa Store (400 N Tampa St.). Prices increase to $15-$32 on March 12-13.

All games 1:05 p.m. unless noted.

March

12 vs. Yankees

13 vs. Red Sox, at Jays

14 at Braves

15 vs. Phillies

17 at Phillies

18 vs. Red Sox

19 vs. Orioles

20 at Orioles

22 at Cuban national team (Havana)

23 at Twins

24 at Yanks, 6:35

25 vs. Twins

26 at Pirates, 6:05

27 vs. Jays

29 at Jays

30 vs. Red Sox

31 vs. Pirates

April

1 at Braves, at Tigers