Update: In a tweet by Marc Topkin, the absence of CF BJ Upton was cleared up. “#Rays Maddon said CF B.J. Upton planned day off and wanted to get Allen a start to be ready for PH duty.” Ah, Gotcha.
Tampa Bay attempts to tack on another game onto their six game winning streak against the 15-5 Rangers, as well as clinch another series. Texas is a very potent team, and we all witnessed how easy it is for the Rangers to turn what, by all intents and purposes, was a blowout into a win last night. When all was said and done, the Rangers made an 8-4 game look like a 2-1 game. Thankfully both James Shields and the pen were able to hold it together, allowing the Rays to put another tally in the win column.
RHP Colby Lewis (2-0, 2.03 ERA) will attempt to do what Matt Harrison couldn’t do last night: depress the Rays offense. Facing Colby Lewis will be no walk in the park. Those on the roster, that have some experience against Lewis, are hitting a robust .119 against the tough right-hander. Against the Rays, Lewis has given up only eight hits, including one home run, and eight walks while striking out 22. Lewis primarily leans on his fastball, slider, and curveball against the Rays. Tampa Bay went after Harrison’s first pitches last night, many of which were fastballs. They will need to attack Lewis in the same manner. They’ll also need to be patient in the batters box, forcing Lewis throw some pitches over the heart of the plate.
Opposing Lewis is Jeff Niemann (1-2, 4.11 ERA) who is a work in progress. Every start seems to be better than the last which is good, because Jeff Niemann, along with the fielders (cough…Longo error last night), will need to be nearly flawless against a very dangerous Rangers offense. After all, we saw how Shields got knocked around last night, giving up four runs on 11 hits. Niemann is 29-15 with a 3.73 ERA in night games, as well as 17-8 when playing on grass. Hey, I’m trying to grab at any positives here! Interestingly enough, ninth inning walk-off home run hitting hero, Brandon Allen, is getting the start in left-field tonight, with Jennings moving to center. One wonders why a very hot BJ Upton isn’t in the lineup tonight? The starting lineup is below. As always, Let’s Go Rays!
Tampa Bay Rays (13-7) 4/28/12 starting lineup:
