LBWMF: Rays put the clampdown on the Royals, 12-0

Austin Pruitt bounced back from a pair of tough outings for a gem of a 6 IP/1 H/0 R start. (Photo Credit: Tampa Bay Rays)

The Tampa Bay Rays scored 12 unanswered runs on Monday and snapped an eight-game losing streak at Kauffman Stadium (dating back to April 8, 2014) with a colossal 12-0, two-hit victory over the Royals. The Rays ended the night 2-1/2 games back of the Twins in the Wildcard race with 29 games left to play.


That’s a pretty convincing WPA graph. Source: FanGraphs

After Kevin Kiermaier reached on a bloop single, then ultimately scored on Evan Longoria’s sacrifice fly, the Rays took control in the third inning against right-hander Ian Kennedy. Adeiny Hechavarria sent a bullet to right for a double before Kiermaier worked a free pass. Lucas Duda followed with a three-run no doubter to right, his eighth with Tampa Bay, putting the Rays up by four.

Duda is in the throes of a 4-for-40 stretch, however, all four of those hits have been home runs.

Then after Evan Longoria and Morrison went back-to-back with doubles, subsequently extending the lead to 5-0, Wilson Ramos crushed a two-run blast to left-center for a seven run lead.

Ramos is now 17-for-his-last-40 over the last 11 games. His homer chased Kennedy, who has not won a game at Kauffman Stadium in a year.

Tampa Bay tacked on an additional run the following inning after Hechavarria tripled to right, then scored on a Kiermaier’s RBI single to center.

Eight runs of support were more than enough for Austin Pruitt, who posted one of his best big league performances. The right-hander bounced back from a pair of tough starts to allow just one runner into scoring position over his six innings of work. In fact, Pruitt gave up just one hit — a Lorenzo Cain double to right — and walked one, while fanning six.

Pruitt gave way to Matt Andriese (who was activated from the DL prior to the game) in the seventh. In spite of the massive lead, the right-hander was credited with a save in his first relief appearance since 2016. Like Pruitt, Andriese gave up just one hit — a Lorenzo Cain double to right — and a walk to Brandon Moss. He worked three innings in relief.

In the ninth inning, Cesar Puello plated a run with a pinch-hit RBI single to put the Rays up by nine, then Morrison crushed a two-out, three-run homer to right off reliever Kevin McCarthy to cap the scoring.

It was LoMo’s 32nd hom run of the season, and his third in two days.

At the end of the day, Kansas City now has been held scoreless for 43 straight innings … yet the Royals still find themselves just three-games out in the Wildcard race.

The New What Next

Alex Cobb (9-8, 3.69 ERA, 4.21 FIP) will get the start for the Rays in the second game of the series, and will pitch opposite of fellow righty Jake Junis (3-2, 4.47 ERA, 4.85 FIP).

Cobb will make his second start off the 10-day DL, and he looks to build on what he established against Toronto on Thursday. Despite pitching only into the fifth inning, thanks to a fair number of deep counts, the right-hander fanned five and allowed no runs, four hits and just one walk.

Junis was solid on Thursday against Colorado, allowing one run on seven hits, but worked only 5-1/3 innings. The 24 year-old right-hander faced the Rays over one inning of relief work in May, allowing no runs and two walks, while striking out two. This season Junis has relied upon a 92mph four-seam fastball with depth, and a whiffy 82mph slider. He’s also mixed in a 78mph curveball little depth and slight glove-side movement, a 91 mph sinker, and an 83mph changeup with surprising cut action. Key Matchup: Danny Espinosa (2-5, 2B, 3 RBI)

You can read about the series in our preview.

Rays 8/29/17 Starting Lineup

Kiermaier CF
Duda DH
Longoria 3B
Morrison 1B
Souza Jr. RF
Dickerson LF
Ramos C
Miller 2B
Hechavarria SS
Cobb RHP

Noteworthiness

— … That moment when you probably should have settled for a triple, but tried to stretch it into an inside-the-park homer instead. Oh Corey, you are not the Outlaw.

https://youtu.be/CrQtet-feVU

— Because of the Rays recent spate of good play, they have seen their odds of a Wildcard berth jump over the last week from 8% to just under 17% (per FanGraphs).

Houston Astros games likely to be moved to the Trop

4:20 Update: The Astros indeed will come to town to face the Rangers, starting Tuesday and running through Thursday.

Per Marc Topkin, tickets would be $10 (open seating) with an option to donate $5 more to the Hurricane Harvey relief fund. The game times look to be 7:10 Tuesday and Wednesday, and 1:10 on Thursday.

Scheduled to play a three-game sets in the Magnolia City, yet effected by the floods in the surrounding region, Major League Baseball has floated the idea of moving Houston’s upcoming series against the Rangers to Tropicana Field this week while the Rays are out of town.

Per Marc Topkin (Tampa Bay Times), MLB officials have inquired about the availability of Tropicana Field as a neutral-site venue for the three-game series, which is slated to start Tuesday. The Rays have said they are ready to help if needed.

It’s also possible that the two rival ball clubs could instead shift the series to Arlington, home of the Rangers. However, as Ken Rosenthal (Fox Sports) opined that option is unlikely given that it would be difficult for Rangers and Astros fans with tickets already.

A decision is expected later today, and any details — game times, ticket prices, etc — will be worked out and announced prior to the start of the series.

Should flood waters not recede in time for the upcoming series that follows against the Mets, Tropicana Field will be made available for that series as well. If both series were to be moved out of Houston, the Astros would end up on an 18-game road trip — away from their families currently dealing with the damage and flooding associated with the storm.

We will post any updates pending detailed confirmations.

The New What Next: Rays Vs. Royals — a series preview

On the heels of their prolonged offensive slump, the Rays have won four out of their last five, notching two consecutive series wins along the way. (Photo Credit: Tampa Bay Rays)

After taking two of three from the Cardinals — and notching their second consecutive series win — the Tampa Bay Rays will continue their nine-game road trip to Kansas City, where they’ll face the Royals over the next three days. The Royals are coming off a three-game sweep against Cleveland, where they were outscored 20-0 over the span of the series.

Tampa Bay starts the series three games back of the final Wildcard spot — and 1/2 game behind Kansas City — with 30 games left to play.

(Stats: ESPN)

Tampa Bay came up with a one-run victory over St. Louis Cardinals in extra innings on Sunday. And while the Rays’ lineup didn’t have a particularly great day at the plate, Logan Morrison had a phenomenal (30th birthday weekend capping) game. LoMo hit two home runs in the contest, including the deciding homer in the top of the 10th.

Over the last week of play — since breaking free of the bondage of their historic offensive slump — the Rays have become a power hitting club once again, posting a combined .515 SLG and .243 ISO since last Sunday. Because of it, Tampa Bay has won five of its last seven games.

Meanwhile, Kansas City failed to score a single run in three games against Cleveland, and has lost four consecutive ball games — averaging just 0.5 runs per game over that stretch. Simply put, the Royals have had one of the worst offenses in Major League Baseball this season … although they’ve given the Rays fits over the last few years, this season included. Either Kansas City will come into the series with a chip on its shoulders and perform well, or Tampa Bay will face a lethargic ball club in the throes of a free-fall.

With the win Sunday, the Rays now are 14-3 in series wins when they take the first game of a series — an 82.4% win percentage. That said, it’s absolutely critical for them to win Monday night’s contest, which would increase the probabilities of a series win.

(Stats: FanGraphs)

Over the next three days Kevin Cash will lean on Austin Pruitt (1-3, 4.86 ERA, 5.40 FIP), Alex Cobb (9-8, 3.69 ERA, 4.21 FIP), and Jake Odorizzi (6-7, 4.82 ERA, 5.95 FIP). Ned Yost will counter with Ian Kennedy (4-9, 5.09 ERA, 5.36 FIP), Jake Junis (3-2, 4.47 ERA, 4.85 FIP), and Jason Vargas (14-8, 3.72 ERA, 4.29 FIP).

(Stats: FanGraphs)

Pitching Matchups

Pruitt, after a triplet of quality starts, has struggled of late, allowing 10 earned runs over his last 10-2/3 innings of work. In his last turn, the right-hander allowed five runs in just 3-2/3 innings against Toronto. Walks have not been a problem for Pruitt, rather his pitches have caught too much plate, and he’s gotten punished because of it. In two innings of relief against Kansas City this season, Pruitt allowed three runs (one earned).

Kennedy gave up seven hits and three runs over 4-2/3 innings last Wednesday in a game Kansas City came back and won, 6-4. His line could have been much uglier, but reliever Ryan Buchter limited the damage and got the final out in the fifth inning (after replacing Kennedy) with the bases loaded. The 32 year-old right-hander has failed to complete the fifth inning in four of his past seven starts, while giving up at least three earned runs six times over that stretch. In eight starts against the Rays, Kennedy is 1-4 with a 4.64 ERA. Key Matchups: Brad Miller (3-5, 2 2B, HR, 2 RBI, 3 BB), Logan Morrison (6-16, 2 3B, 2 HR, 2 RBI, 3 BB)

Cobb will make his second start off the 10-day DL, and he looks to build on what he established against Toronto on Thursday. Despite pitching only into the fifth inning, thanks to a fair number of deep counts, the right-hander fanned five and allowed no runs, four hits and just one walk.

Junis was solid on Thursday against Colorado, allowing one run on seven hits, but worked only 5-1/3 innings. The 24 year-old right-hander faced the Rays over one inning of relief work in May, allowing no runs and two walks, while striking out two. This season Junis has relied upon a 92mph four-seam fastball with depth, and a whiffy 82mph slider. He’s also mixed in a 78mph curveball little depth and slight glove-side movement, a 91 mph sinker, and an 83mph changeup with surprising cut action. Key Matchup: Danny Espinosa (2-5, 2B, 3 RBI)

Odorizzi allowed three runs through 3-2/3 innings his last time out, but has been unable to complete four frames in consecutive starts; he has pitched into the fifth in one of his past five starts. Odo is now 0-3 over that stretch with a 6.75 ERA and a 1/1 K/BB. Suffice it to say, until he can find a way to fix his massive control problems, Jake will remain in this funk. In six games against Kansas City, he is 1-4 with a 4.65 ERA.

Vargas struggled through five innings against Cleveland last Friday, allowing four runs on six hits in a 4-0 loss. In August Vargas has allowed four earned runs or more in three of his five starts (and six times overall). Each one of those ill fated starts resulted in a tally in the loss column for Kansas City. Be that as it may, the right-hander shutdown the Rays back in May, tossing six innings of scoreless baseball, and allowing just three hits and a walk. Overall he is 5-5 against the Rays with a 2.80 ERA in 11 starts. Key Matchups: Corey Dickerson (1-3), Danny Espinosa (1-3), Evan Longoria (7-26, 2B, HR, 4 RBI, 2 BB), Brad Miller (4-8)

Noteworthiness

— The Rays have activated Matt Andriese from the DL rather that having him make one last rehab start. Chih-Wei Hu has been optioned back to Triple-A Durham to make room for Andriese on the active roster, while INF Taylor Featherston has been designated for assignment to clear 40-man roster space.

Andriese will be available out of the bullpen Monday night, although Pruitt will still get the start.

Tampa Bay Rays 8/27/17 starting lineup and pregame notes

Corey Dickerson’s season-high 25th homer could not make up for his three fielding blunders Saturday night. (Photo Credit: Tampa Bay Rays)

After allowing a pair of leads to slip away last night, consequently resulting in a 6-4 loss, the Rays will look to bounce back this afternoon in St. Louis. Tampa Bay starts the day three games back of the final Wildcard spot, with 31 games left to play.

The loss last night makes Friday night’s win all the more important. How important?  They are 13-3 in series wins when they take the first game of series — an 81.3 win percentage‬.

They, however, cannot afford to make the same misplays and gaffes that allowed leads of two and three runs to slip away. That is, Corey Dickerson’s triplet of outfield blunders, paired with poor performances by Tommy Hunter and Brad Boxberger, were the root cause of the tally in the loss column, and they cannot afford to play sloppy baseball against the Cardinals’ ace.

The New What Next

Chris Archer (9-7, 3.76 ERA, 3.17 FIP) will get the start for the Rays, and he will pitch opposite of Lance Lynn (10-6, 3.17 ERA, 4.72 FIP).

Archer dominated Toronto on Tuesday, limiting the Jays to one earned run on four hits and a walk, while fanning 10 in six innings of work. Archer has struck out 61 and walked just eight in his last seven starts, and has whiffed 10 in two consecutive  starts (both against Toronto) — accumulating double-digit strikeouts nine times this season.

Archer has gone at least six innings in all but one of his last 18 starts, however, in only two of his last 14 turns has he completed seven innings.

Lynn saw his string of eight consecutive quality starts come to an end in his last turn, although he has been the Cardinals’ most consistent starter this season. Since the beginning of July, Lynn he has averaged six innings a start and posted a 2.08 ERA. The 30 year-old right-hander is 0-1 with a 4.91 ERA in two-games (one start) against the Rays. This season Lynn has relied primarily upon a four-pitch mix: a whiffy 93mph four-seam fastball and a 92 mph sinker, while also mixing in an 88 mph fly ball inducing cutter, and a 79mph curveball with little depth and 12-6 movement. Key Matchups: Corey Dickerson (2-5, BB), Adeiny Hechavarria (4-8, 2 RBI), Evan Longoria (1-4, 2B, RBI)

Lynn, much like Archer, has pitched six innings or more in nine consecutive starts, but has completed seven innings in only one of those appearances.

You can read about the series in our preview.

Rays 8/27/17 Starting Lineup

Kiermaier CF
Souza Jr. RF
Longoria 3B
Morrison 1B
Dickerson LF
Hechavarria SS
Miller 2B
Sucre C
Archer RHP

Noteworthiness

— Left-hander Danny Duffy of the Royals, who the Rays will face starting Monday, has been placed on the 10-day DL with a sore elbow.

— Reading this article makes me wistful, jealous and sad, all at the same time. Wistful, because I remember a packed Trop not so long ago. Jealous because other teams Have what we used to — a rabid fan base that supports its team. Sad because of the ensuing rumors surrounding the Rays.

We at do our part…not in a self congratulatory sense. We regularly attend games, write about the team, and fanatically defend our small market ball club. The question begs: Do you?

If you’re reading this and live in the market, but have scarcely made the trek to the Trop, get out to the ballpark! Your team needs you. #BaseballForever

LBWMF: Rays offense and ‘pen lead way charge in the win over the Cards, 7-3

La Pantera went 3-5 with two-RBI and a run last night. (Photo Credit: Tampa Bay Rays)

A hot offensive performance saw the Tampa Bay Rays start their road trip with a win against the St. Louis Cardinals, 7-3. Tampa Bay staked Jake Odorizzi with a pair of three-run leads, yet the right-hander was pulled after 3-2/3 innings and 74 pitches. The ‘pen was solid once again though, and covered 5-1/3 scoreless innings. The win was the fourth in the last five games for the Rays, who start the day just three-games out of the last Wildcard spot.

St. Louis took a one-run lead in the first inning on Dexter Fowler’s sacrifice-fly to left-center, which Kevin Kiermaier flagged down instead of Corey Dickerson. The Outlaw has the best arm in the outfield and was the likeliest of the two to make a play at the plate, however, Kiermaier’s throw was offline which allowed the run to score. Tampa Bay was able to answer against Michael Wacha two innings later, batting around in the third.

Souza started the rally with a leadoff homer into the upper deck left-field — just above Big Mac Land — his 28th of the season.

Evan Longoria was next, hitting a single to right-center before Logan Morrison doubled to right, quickly putting a pair of runners into scoring position. After Wilson Ramos was caught looking on a pitch that was well off the plate (see below), Corey Dickerson was walked intentionally t0 load the bases.

Adeiny Hechavarria came up big with a two-RBI double down the left-field line, giving the Rays a two-run lead. Odorizzi capped the rally with a two-out infield hit, making it 4-1 in favor of Tampa Bay.

But Odorizzi was unable to bounce back with a shutdown inning, and he loaded the bases on walks with one out in the third. Yadier Molina followed with a sac-fly to center, yet Steven Piscotty was thrown out at third on the play, ending the inning with the lead still intact.

Dickerson got that run back in the fourth, hitting a two out double off Zach Duke, which scored Souza from third. Souzbot initially singled, then swiped both second and third.

Souza now has 28 home runs and 13 stolen bases, a combination unmatched by any American League player.

St. Louis refused to go down easily though, and chased Odorizzi in the fourth inning after Kolten Wong homered to right-field. For a third consecutive game the starter last go five innings, forcing the ‘pen to cover the final 16 outs.

As Marc Topkin (Tampa Bay Times) noted, Cash said the walks were the issue, especially three in a four-batter span in the third after the Rays had just taken a 4-1 lead. And there was a mitigating factor of having reliever Steve Cishek warmed up again in the fourth inning and not wanting to burn him for the night, so with the Cardinals pinch-hitting Jose Martinez for starter Michael Wacha, Cash decided he had seen enough.

Odo, I thought he showed some signs of being pretty good but also the walks, it’s tough to avoid that, not being reactive to get somebody else out (there), Cash said. We got him a lead and then I felt it was best to keep it that way.

Odorizzi, who was pitching in front of more than 200 friends and relatives that made the 45 minute trek from his hometown, was understandably less than enthusiastic about Cash’s decision:

It was the manager’s decision, and that’s it. It’s not my choice.

Regardless of his feelings on the matter though, the decision was made — one which boded in the Rays favor.

Steve Cishek, working in his third straight game, bounced back from a tough outing on Thursday to pick up an inning ending strikeout, keeping the Rays ahead by a pair. Sergio Romo followed in the fifth and sixth, collecting two perfect innings.

Romo has been excellent since coming over from Los Angeles prior to the deadline. In August alone, the right-hander has fired off 15-1/3 innings of three run baseball, while performing to a 1.17 ERA/3.13 FIP/0.52 WHIP against 52 total batters faced. It’s no wonder he was credited with last night’s win.

Dan Jennings took over in the seventh, and got the first two outs of the frame quickly and efficiently on four pitches. But after he allowed a couple of two-out singles, which forced Cash’s hand, Tommy Hunter took the mound and struck out Piscotty to end the seventh.

Tommy Two-Towels followed with a perfect seven-pitch 1–2–3 eighth.

Tampa Bay tacked on a pair of crucial insurance runs in the ninth when Kiermaier singled to left with two outs. Dickerson leadoff the inning with a 1-1 double to right off Brett Cecil, and Hechavarria laid down a beautiful bunt single which allowed Dickerson to advance to third. Hechavarria stole second before Kiermaier’s base hit.

Alex Colome took over in the ninth and hurled a 14 pitch, 1-2-3 inning to close out the game, punctuated with a swinging strikeout of Randal Grichuk.

All told, the Rays collected 16 hits — four from Dickerson, and three from Hechavarria.

The New What Next

Blake Snell (2-6, 4.42 ERA, 4.59 FIP) will get the start in the second game of the series, pitching opposite of right-hander Mike Leake (7-12, 4.16 ERA).

The impetus will be on Snell to pitch deeply into the ball game.

We’ve got a lot of confidence, we keep going to them, Cash said. Saying that, we need a couple of big starts now, definitely by Blake (Snell) going into tomorrow, giving us some length.

Snell is coming off his best start of the season after picking up the win on Sunday. The southpaw allowed a single in the second and a single in the seventh en route to seven shutout innings and his second win of the season. Snell’s 4.42 ERA and 1.44 WHIP still leave a lot to be desired, however, he appears to be figuring things out, and could take his quality stuff to another level to close out the season.

You can read about the series in our preview.

Rays 8/26/17 Starting Lineup

Kiermaier CF
Souza Jr RF
Longoria 3B
Duda 1B
Ramos C
Dickerson LF
Hechavarria SS
Miller 2B
Snell LHP