TAMPA — The Rays felt Wednesday night’s series finale against the Mariners and right-hander George Kirby presented a good opportunity to be aggressive at the plate.

Kirby, Rays manager Kevin Cash said before the game, is talented and a consistent strike-thrower. Waiting around and trying to feel him out would do them no good.

“Let’s be aggressive and get ready to hit,” Cash said.

They were, and the approach proved fruitful in a 9-4 win. There was little doubt the Rays would sweep Seattle and win their sixth straight after the second inning was over.

Yandy Diaz led the way with his first career five-hit game, the 11th in team history and first since 2019.

After Adrian Houser retired the game’s first three batters on three pitches, the Rays commenced an offensive onslaught against Kirby

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