The Athletics had two chances to tag the Rays with a run, yet they couldn’t pounce. Their first opportunity came in the first inning, against Colome, when Billy Burns tripled over the head of Steven Souza Jr. to lead off the game. Marcus Semien then flew out to deep center, yet Burns, for some unknown reason, opted not to tag although it appeared he would have scored easily. Burns had another opportunity to score on Josh Reddick’s grounder to first, however, his indecision once again proved costly. Billy Butler grounded to third to end the threat and the inning.
Oakland’s second opportunity came in the fourth after a two-out rally. The Athletics loaded the bases on two hits (one on the infield) and a walk, but Colome got Sam Fuld to ground to first to end that threat. Colome rebounded nicely from his previous two starts against New York and Minnesota. He allowed only four hits and a walk while fanning three on 86 pitches (57 strikes, 70% K%).
Meanwhile the Rays remained scoreless against Jesse Chavez until the fourth. Evan Longoria, who celebrated his 1,000th game on this fair night, drew a leadoff walk, then scored from first on a big two-out double by David DeJesus to left center field.
Steve Geltz came on in relief of Colome in the sixth and threw a 1-2-3 frame. Kevin Jepsen followed in the seventh and posted another zero with some help from his battery mate. Jepsen walked Sam Fuld with two outs, but Wilson ended the inning by gunning down the former Ray as he tried to swipe second.
Nope, not today. pic.twitter.com/SG268TnGyW
— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) May 22, 2015
Later, in the bottom of the seventh, DeJesus belted his fourth homer of the year — a solo no doubter to right on a thigh high change-up. The team was not done. Brandon Guyer followed with a single to right, spelling the end of the night for Chavez. Edward Mujica entered the game, and Guyer promptly swiped second and third with Bobby Wilson at the plate.
Twice is nice. @BrandonGuyer hustlin’. pic.twitter.com/Mr9Wp4ZE9M — Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) May 22, 2015
Wilson needed only to make contact to drive in a run and he did not disappoint. The Rays catcher smoked a comebacker off Mujica’s right thumb (and arm), allowing Guyer to score. Unfortunately for Mujica, he was pulled from the game with a fractured right thumb.
Jake McGee came on the face the top of the order in the eighth and retired the side — striking out a pair along the way. De facto closer Brad Boxberger worked around a leadoff single in the ninth, and a two-out bunt hit to Max Muncy that put runners at the corners. With the shutout in jeopardy, Brett Lawrie (representing the tying run) stepped into the batter’s box. But Lawrie went down swinging on four pitches, as he’s wont to do, and Boxberger earned his 12th save.
The New What Next
Chris Archer will take the hill for the Rays opposite of Scott Kazmir. Archer has pitched back-to-back quality starts, allowing three earned runs in 13 innings with 12 strikeouts and two walks. Meanwhile, Kazmir is coming off a difficult start against the Southsiders on Sunday, when he lasted just 4-1/3 innings, and allowed three earned runs on seven hits. You can read about the pitching matchup in our series preview.
Rays 5/21/15 Starting Lineup
Guyer CF
Souza RF
Longoria 3B
Forsythe DH
Butler LF
Loney 1B
Cabrera SS
Beckham 2B
Rivera C
Archer RHP
Noteworthiness
— Colome was called for an automatic ball by Cowboy Joe West during Semien’s at-bat in the third for going to the mouth with his fingers while on the mound.
— Matt Moore is slated to throw two innings (35-40 pitches) Saturday morning in an extended Spring Training game. This is likely the last step before starting his rehab assignment.
— Muy bueno!
In first 12 gms, #Rays bullpen was worst in MLB (6.25 ERA, .267 opp avg). In 30 gms since, it’s the best in MLB (1.84 ERA, .186 opp avg).
— Dave Haller (@HallerDave) May 22, 2015
— Muy bueno, part dos! 