After getting the hits that led to two runs in the Rays’ 3-1 win over the Yankees Monday, Kevin Kiermaier was asked about the quiet stretch he’d been going through offensively, with just two hits in his previous 26 at-bats.
“That’s putting that very politely, thank you,” Kiermaier said. “Hitting has been the hardest thing I’ve ever had to work on in my life. You just sit here and try to make those right adjustments in the cage. Day in, day out, I’ve been working my butt off in there just trying to find a comfort level.
“I was really happy with my work (Monday). I was happy with my first at-bat, second at-bat. Little things like that really build confidence for me going forward where I’m not thinking so much about my setup or what I’m trying to do up there. This game will drive you crazy, we allow that at times. But I’m trying to be better, trying to contribute more.”