The Tampa Bay Rays dropped the second game of the series against the A’s by a score of 3-2 Wednesday night. Erik Bedard walked away with his first loss since April 24th, after putting together a 5.1 IP/1 H/3 R/1 ER/3 BB/6 K outing. In fact, the Rays pitchers gave up only one hit all night, a fourth inning solo shot off the bat of Brandon Moss, yet the offense couldn’t push across (at least) two more runs to give the Rays the lead and/or win. If ever there was one, this is a glaring example of pitchers deserving a better fate. I live blogged the game over at our Tumblr site and you can read a blow-by-blow account of the contest there. Otherwise, a few random thoughts and game peripherals are below.
Game Peripherals
- At 1-13 Evan Longoria, Brandon Guyer, Sean Rodriguez, and Logan Forsythe had the antithesis of a productive last night. There’s a wanton desire to place the blame on Yunel Escobar (ground into an eighth inning double play) and Wil Myers (struck out with two on in the ninth) for the game. But, the pair accounted for a large part of the offense, going 4-9 with a run. Longo still appears to be swatting at flys, and though Forsythe got lucky with a ninth inning hit, there is absolutely no reason to put him in the game — much less as DH.
- Bedard deserved a better fate than what his line suggested. Blame the 31-pitch, two-run, two-error second inning for his early exit. He easily could have gone six solid weren’t it for that inning. To that end:
- Cespedes never should have reached base in the second, yet Yuni’s throwing error put him on base.
- With the bases loaded, SeanRod failed to turn a tailor made, inning ending, double play. His throw to Yuni was wide, plating a pair of runs.
- Bedard’s 50-IP homerless streak, extending back to 9/16/13, ended with a two-out solo shot off the bat of Brandon Moss.
- That glove-side fastball/outside curve ball combo by Bedard is a thing of beauty. The run on his fastball — moving from the outside corner, in on the hands — is ridiculous.
- Wil Myers played first base after James Loney was lifted in the bottom of the eighth inning, his second appearance at first base this season.
- Per Kyle Hopkins of DRaysBay, “David DeJesus had his third plate appearance against left-handed pitching this season, reducing his rate of plate appearances with the platoon advantage this season to 97.7%.”
The New What Next
The Rays take on the Athletics this afternoon looking to avoid a sweep. Alex Cobb, just off of the disabled list, will be opposed by Sonny Gray, setting up a pitching duel between the two. It won’t be easy. At 5-1 with a 2.07 ERA, Gray has thrown nine quality starts this season. Meanwhile, Oakland has lost only twice when their tough righty has taken the mound. The game will not be televised. You can read about the pitching matchup in our series preview.
Rays 5/22/14 Starting Lineup
DeJesus DH
Longoria 3B
Joyce LF
Myers RF
Loney 1b
Jennings CF
Figueroa 2B
Escobar SS
Molina C
Cobb RHP
Noteworthiness
- The Rays optioned Kiermaier back to Durham after game; they had to make room on roster for Alex Cobb.
- Per Elias Sports, last night’s game (at 3 hours, 53 minutes) was the longest in major league history in which a team was held to one hit or less.
- In the last 18 seasons, only twice has a team allowed three runs or more on one hit or less, and lost.
- Per Roger Mooney of the Trib, Zobrist should be ready to return from the DL when the team reaches Boston next week.