Kevin Cash Explains Rays’ Bullpen Approach After World Series Game 1

Kevin Cash said repeated looks at opposing relievers played a part in his bullpen thinking after Tampa Bay’s 3–2 loss to Milwaukee in Friday’s World Series opener.

Asked about using Steven Matz and other relievers, the Rays manager said familiarity mattered, while cautioning that its value was difficult to measure, according to the official postgame transcript.

Cash said facing Milwaukee’s Aaron Ashby, Abner Uribe and Trevor Megill could help Tampa Bay later in the series.

The Game 1 box score shows Nick Martinez worked five innings before Matz recorded five outs. Kevin Kelly, Garrett Cleavinger and Cole Sulser handled the remaining four outs. Tampa Bay’s bullpen allowed one run across three innings.

Cam Booser, Tyler Wells and Bryan Baker did not pitch in the opener. Matz walked three batters and did not allow a hit in his relief appearance. The Rays kept the game close with four relievers, but Milwaukee held on to win.