Rays 8/19/14 Starting Lineup, Etc

Rays 8/19/14 Starting Lineup

Jennings CF
Zobrist 2B
Joyce LF
Longoria 3B
Loney 1B
Escobar SS
Belnome DH
Casali C
Kiermaier RF
Archer RHP

The New What Next: Enter Le Tigre — A Rays/Tigers Series Preview of Sorts

Following their lackluster 4-2 loss Sunday, the Tampa Bay Rays will open a three-game series against the Detroit Tigers, Tuesday. The Rays’ two run, five hit offensive showing in the series finale may have been one of the most uninspiring exhibitions at the plate in some time, though it certainly didn’t come as a surprise – offensive production has been on the slide over the last three or so. Are you confused how a team could drop a series after yielding a total of seven runs? Their .205 series batting average should clear up any residual befuddlement.

Looking Backward While Moving Forward: Rays Lose 4-2, Drop Crucial Series to the Yankees

If winning series is the name of the game, the Rays failed miserably. They allowed the Yankees to take two-of-three when they could have swept the Evil Empire — their first home series loss to the Yankees since June 2013. Let me put it this way: The Rays NEEDED to win the series, period. Regardless how inconsistent the Detroit Tigers have been of late, I really don’t see Tampa Bay’s offense pairing well against Detroit’s pitching staff in the upcoming series.

…And so it goes.

Looking Backward While Moving Forward: Rays Fall to New York, 3-2

The New York Yankees put the Tampa Bay Rays’ meager three-game winning streak to rest, behind a 3-2 victory Saturday afternoon. Drew Smyly and Shane Greene went toe-to-toe, and while Greene racked up 10 strikeouts, Smyly was able to hold the Yankees to only four hits. The Rays, once again, are one game under .500, though they can turn the tide this afternoon.

Looking Backward While Moving Forward: .500

They didn’t win the World Series or clinch a playoff berth Friday night, but there was reason to celebrate — the Tampa Bay Rays became only the fourth team of the modern era to team to get back to .500 from 18 games below (joining the 1899 Louisville team, the 2004 Rays, and the 2006 Marlins). They did so by putting together their 15th shutout of the season, tagging the New York Yankees with a 5-0 loss in the series opener.