The New What Next: Rays vs Braves, Part Deux — A Series Preview

After playing well against the NL East leading New York Mets, the Tampa Bay Rays look to continue their Interleague success starting Tuesday, when they open a two-game set against the Atlanta Braves.

Looking Backward While Moving Forward: Rays Rally Again, Win Series Finale 4-3

The Tampa Bay Rays came from behind 3-0 to win by one run for the second consecutive day. Tampa Bay took 2-of-3 from the first place Mets, as Richie Shaffer (3-3, HR, 3 runs) was the undisputed hero of the game after putting together an impressive day at the plate. At .500 once again (55-55), Tampa Bay won a second straight series for the first time since June 15 – June 21.

Looking Backward While Moving Forward: Rays Bounce Back With a 5-4 Win

After dropping a 4-3 nail biter on Friday, the Tampa Bay Rays tagged Mets’ starter Noah Syndergaard for four runs in the first inning of Saturday’s contest, overcoming an early 3-0 deficit, and going on to defeat New York by a 5-4 margin. Tampa Bay snapped the Mets’ seven-game win streak, as four relievers combined to throw four innings of no hit ball. Blessed by a pair of Angels and Twins losses, the Rays start the day four games out in Wildcard race.

Looking Backward While Moving Forward: Blown Save, Rays Fall 4-3

In a terrific pitching duel on Friday between Tampa Bay Rays’ hurler Jake Odorizzi and the Mets’ Jacob deGrom, the bullpens ultimately decided the fate. Jake McGee and Brad Boxberger squandered one run leads in the eighth and ninth innings, and despite late homers from Evan Longoria and James Loney, the Rays fell 4-3 to New York. The Mets have won seven straight, while the Rays have dropped the last two in their final at-bat.