Category Archives: Looking Backward While Moving Forward

Looking Backward While Moving Forward: Rays Drop Game Third Game of the Series to the White Sox, 9-2

It’s up to debate whether the Rays would/could have eked out a 2-0 win against the White Sox Sunday — that is, assuming the five run, four error sixth inning, and the four run seventh never happened. For one thing, David Price sailed, efficiently, through the front five innings. And though the offense failed to tack on more than two runs — that is, when they had opportunities to do so in three other innings — they seemed in line for another one of their patented one or two run victories (see: the games on April 8, April 11, and April 12). Overall, they went 1-5 wRISP, stranding six men on the bags. Instead, they were embarrassed by the soft tossing, 29 year-old rookie (and the rest of the south-siders for that matter), falling 9-2.

Looking Backward While Moving Forward: Ramos, Rays Blank ChiSox, 4-0

Many have suggested that Cesar Ramos is not fit for the starting rotation. I’d imagine some of you reading this might be one of those who may feel this way. I, on the other hand, feel as though he got the short end of the stick coming out of Spring Training — a feeling that’s bolstered every time he’s taken the mound since. Sure… He flubbed his first start of the season against the Reds. Since however, he’s tossed 10 innings of one run ball, including his impressive start Saturday night against the White Sox. Ramos put together an efficient 5 IP/4 H/0 R/2 BB/0 K/65 pitches (39 strikes, 60% K/BB)/9 GO/6 FO outing, in the Rays three-game, skid-ending, 4-0 win against the White Sox.

Looking Backward While Moving Forward: Oof, Rays Fall to ChiSox in Not So Grand Fashion

If I was asked to put together a list of the Rays ugliest losses this season, a list which would include the week’s previous frustrating extra innings losses, Friday night’s loss in Chicago would easily take the cake. The Rays had every opportunity to come out victorious — an early 4-1 lead, they reached base 21 times (10 hits, 11 walks), and the pitchers that kept Tampa Bay in the thick of things until the ninth inning — yet they couldn’t finish the job. The Rays walked away from US Cellular Field last night with a 9-6 loss, as opposed to a 6-4 win. I’m still stunned.

Looking Backward While Moving Forward: Rays Drop Series Following 9-7 Loss to the Twins

Tampa Bay dropped it’s second consecutive game to the Twins Thursday, this time by a score of 9-7. Blame the loss on a spotty start by Erik Bedard (though he was able to put the pieces together after a 42 pitch first), and a five run fifth off Heath Bell. Credit where it’s due, the offense brought the Rays within two after being down by six. The Rays were able to tag Minnesota for seven runs today (18 in the series), which is a plus.