The Rays first trip into Dodgers Stadium certainly left a lot to be desired — that is, unless you’re a Dodgers fan. The Dodgers put together a dominating three-game sweep against the Rays, holding Tampa Bay to eight total runs in 27 innings. Tampa Bay will make its way home for a six game home stand following the disastrous 0-6 road trip. The Rays lost their season-worst fifth in a row, but remained three games behind AL East-leading Boston following the Red Sox’s loss to Juego G and the Royals Sunday afternoon. Thanks Big Game James! Game peripherals follow:
- We got word prior to the first pitch, the Rays released RHP Kyle Farnsworth from his contract. Tampa Bay DFA’d Farnsworth Friday.
- Jeremy Hellickson put together another sub-optimal outing, this one lasting only three innings. Helly had a hard time commanding his pitches (especially his change-up) leaving a countless number up in the zone, and getting punished for doing so. He gave up four runs (all earned) on seven hits, including a pair of doubles — all on 51 pitches (36 for strikes). Rays starters have now failed to go at least five innings in five of the last six games, and six out of the last nine, including back-to-back games by Hernandez and Hellickson.
- Sam Fuld plated the Rays first run on a triple to right-field, after a 15-2/3 innings scoreless drought — extending back to the seventh inning of Friday’s game. The Dodgers put up 18 unanswered runs up to that point, and ultimately outscored the Rays 20-8 over a three game span.
- After posting 34 plus innings of one run baseball, Alex Torres has now given up five runs in his last 3-1/3 innings of work. I’d imagine that the relievers arms are somewhat worn out after being used so frequently in the last six games.
- I’m still not convinced of Josh Lueke’s worth in the pen, especially after he gave up a two-runs on three hits — including a two-run shot to left-field in the sixth inning. He’s now given up eight earned runs in 12-2/3 innings of work, in three stints with the Rays this season. I can’t help but feel that he’s just filling a spot in the pen until Brandon Gomes returns from the DL.
- Credit where it’s due, Cesar Ramos hasn’t given up a run in his last 3-1/3 innings of work. He’s allowed three runners to reach safely on two hits and a walk in that stretch.
- Clayton Kershaw: 8 IP/3 H/2 R/1 ER/2 BB/8 K 103 pitches (70 for strikes). Wow. ‘Nuff said.
- Tampa Bay: 1-7 wRISP, four left on base, grounded into two double plays. Oof. ‘Nuff said.
- The Rays had an opportunity to put themselves back in the game in the eighth inning, though they could only settle for one run instead. Jose Lobaton lead off the inning with a walk. James Loney moved Lobaton to second on a sharply hit single to center. Jason Bourgeois was next, safely reaching base on a fielding error to Gordon (his third of the game) to load the bases. But Kershaw came back, striking out Sean Rodriguez looking at a filthy breaking pitch. Then — with the bases loaded, mind you — Wil Myers sent a sac-fly to the warning track, plating Lobaton from third. Sadly, Evan Longoria couldn’t extend the inning, grounding into a fielder’s choice to third to put an end the Rays only big scoring threat.
- Expect to see the return of Alex Cobb in the upcoming home stand. ESPN’s announcers posited that there is a possibility the Rays would place Hellickson on waivers in order to make room for Cobb on the roster. However the odds are against Hernandez, if Tampa Bay is going to get rid of a starter in some capacity.