Well, that certainly wasn’t the most operative way to end the series against Kansas City. The Royals took the finale by a score of 5-4, in what should be described as a total team loss.
Perhaps Kirby Yates is to blame for leaving a center-center fastball over the plate in a high-leverage ninth inning. Or, maybe the blame should be placed firmly on Joel Peralta’s shoulders, for creating that high-leverage situation in the first place. After all, he’s the one who gave up a leadoff single to Jarrod Dyson and a one out walk to Erik Hosmer, before being pulled in favor of Yates. The fielders certainly aren’t free of criticism — the fielding error and two other general misplays, effectively, gave the Royals three extra outs to play with, while cutting Alex Cobb’s outing short. Then again, the Rays went 1-9 wRISP, while stranding 11 men on the bags — including two bases loaded situations they couldn’t take advantage of. I’d opine it was a combination of all these things.
In any case, there’s a reason the Royals are in the position they’re in. Of their total 822 hits this season, 72% percent (590) were singles. In fact, of their 11 hits last night, eight were singles. Over the course of the series, the Royals kept consistent pressure on the Rays by hitting base hit after base hit — creating high leverage situation after high leverage situation. I, for one, am glad the season series is over.
Moving forward.
When you look at the big picture the Rays are in a good place… That is, relative to their position; 10 games under .500 and nine games out of first. The Yankees start the day just two games over .500 and in dire straits, after their All-Star ace Mashiro Tanaka was placed on the 15-day DL with elbow soreness. In the Rays favor, the team who are set to enter Tropicana Field tomorrow night, the Toronto Blue Jays, have scuffled of late, going 3-7 in their last 10 games, and 5-10 over their last 15. To put things in perspective, if Tampa Bay can sweep Toronto, (I know, it’s a tall task, but bear with me) they will finish the home stand with a 4-2 record — the same as taking two of three from both the Royals and Blue Jays. Tampa Bay is in a prime position to make up three games in the AL East this weekend. They also have an opportunity to exact some revenge on the Blue Jays, following their 2-5 start to the season. Call it cautious optimism.
Noteworthiness
- Mr. Offense, Kevin Kiermaier is the first MLB rookie with four hits and a grand slam in same game since 2010 (Nationals Danny Espinosa was the last on 9/6/10). He’s also the first rookie since 1914 to have four hits and a slam from the number nine spot.
- This is still fun to watch:
- Per Marc Topkin, Maddon said he wanted to limit the other relievers, and expected Peralta to handle the ninth. Juan-Carlos Oviedo was not available.
- “This one is bad, it really hurts.” — Joel Peralta