4/15/2023 – Toronto, ON

The Tampa Bay Rays had a chance to make history on Friday night, but instead they settled for a tie with the 1982 Atlanta Braves and 1987 Milwaukee Brewers for the longest modern era season-opening winning streak in MLB history. The Rays lost 6-3 to the Toronto Blue Jays, ending their 13-game run and disappointing their fans and rivals alike.

The Rays had been on a tear since the start of the season, sweeping the Tigers, Nationals, Athletics and Red Sox in four consecutive series. They had outscored their opponents 101-30 and looked unstoppable. But their luck ran out against the Blue Jays, who have won 8 of 10, with a solid performance from starter Jose Berrios and a four-run rally in the fifth inning.

The Rays’ fans were left wondering what could have been, as they watched their team fall short of breaking the record. Some fans expressed their frustration on social media, while others tried to find humor in the situation.

“I guess we’ll have to share the record with the Braves. How generous of us,” tweeted @RaysFan4Life.

“Maybe we should have played the Orioles instead. They’re more our level,” joked @RayDude.

“Who cares about some stupid record? We’re still in first place and we’re still better than the Yankees,” boasted @RaysRule.

The Rays’ rivals were not so kind, as they mocked and taunted the team for failing to achieve greatness. The Yankees, Red Sox, Rangers and Royals all posted messages on their official accounts, congratulating the Rays for their “amazing” feat.

“Wow, what an incredible streak by the Rays. We’re so proud of you guys. You almost did it,” wrote @Yankees.

“Congrats to the Rays for tying the record. You guys are awesome. We’re so happy for you. Really,” posted @RedSox.

“Way to go, Rays. You guys are amazing. You almost made history. So close,” tweeted @Rangers.

“Great job, Rays. You guys are fantastic. You almost broke the record. Almost,” shared @Royals.

The Rays will try to bounce back from their loss and start a new winning streak on Saturday, when they face the Blue Jays again in Toronto. They will also try to ignore the noise from their critics and focus on their ultimate goal: breaking any MLB record.

“Records are true tests of champions.  Had I known beforehand we would have failed to break it, I’d have preferred some other record.  Even the season opening losing streak,” said manager Kevin Cash. “Sure, championships are nice, but slim chance that’ll ever happen.  We had a great run, but it’s over now.”