Author Archives: Schmitty

The New What Next: The Rays Return Home for Three Against the Royals

Anyone reading this is familiar with the overwhelming narrative surrounding the forthcoming series… You know, the whole seven-player trade between the Rays and Royals back in December 2012. That backstory is a tad trite by now. Sure, James Shields will be taking the mound at the Trop for the first time since the trade. Still, at this point, what’s more important? The series itself, or the aforementioned narrative? I’d argue the former.

Looking Backward While Moving Forward: The Rays Romp the Tigers, 7-2

The Tampa Bay Rays were in a prime position going into the contest agains the Tigers, Saturday. Just 8.5 games out of first, the Rays had an opportunity to end the day 7.5 games back if everything broke in their favor. Yet things didn’t look good until the fifth inning — dare I say it looked like as though they were in route for yet another low scoring game, or even another no hitter? But something happened: Logan Forsythe opened the door to an offensive onslaught with his solo shot in the fifth inning. The Rays walked out of Comerica Park with a big 7-2 win.

Looking backward While Moving Forward: Rays Take Second Game of the Series, 6-3

I mentioned yesterday, that the true test would be whether the Rays could bounce back from their 8-1 shellacking at the hands of the Tigers, Thursday. Bounce back the could, and did. Nine (total) runs, three hit-by-pitches, and an ejected manager later, Tampa Bay was able to close out its Fourth of July game with plenty of fireworks, beating Detroit 6-3.

Looking Backward While Moving Forward: Bedard, Rays Fall in Ugly 8-1 Loss

Yikes, last night’s 8-1 loss to the Tigers wasn’t pretty — thank god for second chances. The true test will be how well the Rays can bounce back tonight.