An air of frustration has permeated the Rays Republic. Evan Longoria is pressing at the plate, Wil Myers looks clueless in the box, and the fans — those who choose to attend games — have more in common with the population of New York, as exemplified in Ghost Busters II. (Editor’s note: if you didn’t “get” the Ghost Busters II reference, I recommend watching Ivan Reitman’s masterpiece) Last night’s contest wasn’t fun on the field or in the stands. Tampa Bay was shutout for the second time in three games last night, and they’ve now won only five of their last 15 games. The Rays have scored just 46 runs in those games, an average of (roughly) three runs per.
Category Archives: Looking Backward While Moving Forward
Looking Backward While Moving Forward: Rays Bounce Back, Shut Out Angels 3-0
A couple of questions lingered prior to the first pitch Friday night; would the Rays be able to bounce back from another disappointing loss, and could Chris Archer put together a decent outing — that is, decent enough to keep the Rays in the game. The resounding answers to both, yes and yes. Tampa Bay took the second game of the series against the Angels by a score of 3-0, thanks to an improved outing by Chris Archer, and key hits in the fifth, seventh, and eighth innings…and the ‘pen wasn’t half bad either.
Looking Backward While Moving Forward: The “Hey, At Least Bedard Was Good,” Edition
A rare sixth inning error by James Loney, and a blown save by the tandem of Grant Balfour and Brad Boxberger, sunk the Rays’ battleship Thursday night. Tampa Bay fell to the Angels by a score of 6-5 in the tough, Mike Trout inducing, walk-off loss. Look at the bright side: at least the Rays sixth starter was good.
Looking Backward While Moving Forward: Rays Come From Behind to Beat Mariners, 2-1
Just under three hours after Masahiro Iwakuma’s first pitch, the Tampa Bay Rays evened up the series at one game apiece, thanks to a 2-1 come from behind victory against the Mariners. The contest had all the trappings of a pitching duel; a pair of pitchers at the top of their game, an incredibly tight one run lead, and a late inning rally against Fernando Rodney. David Price put together a one-run, complete game gem — striking out 12 (all on his fastball) along the way. His final line: 9 IP/6 H/1 ER/0 BB/12 K/108 pitches (81 strikes, 75% K%). Iwakuma was great, but Price was better. Suffice it to say, Late Night with the Rays ended with adulation and exhaustion on the part of those of us who stayed up to watch. That being said, below is a recap of the ninth…because, you know, I’m tired and at work.
Looking Backward While Moving Forward: Ramos, Rays Beaten Up By Mariners, 12-5
There isn’t much I can say on the subject of Monday night’s loss. To his credit, Cesar Ramos saved the pen by eating 6-2/3 innings — but that’s the only positive I can cull up.