The Rays needed a win, and win big they did. Alex Cobb did not have had his best stuff, having to be pulled from the game early after posting a 4.2 IP/8 H/4 R/3 ER/1 BB/3 K/2 HR line. But the Rays, backed by eight runs, 16 hits, (including four homers) and a walk were able to power their way to a huge 8-4 win over the mighty Texas Rangers. Take that George W! All in all, the Rays had a great game, with most of the players up and down the lineup contributing in some way, shape, or form…with the exception of Ryan Tat-Man Roberts pulling an 0-fer, striking out three times, while stranding four on the bags. At least he’s got a good glove.
Two quick observations:
A) BA made mention of Ryan Roberts at-bats. More specifically, how Roberts steps to the plate with a home run mentality that doesn’t change as he gets behind in the count. I concur with BA’s observation. Perhaps Tat-Man should put more emphasis on putting the ball in play, especially when men are on the bags. Get ’em over, turkey! Oh yeah, dude can’t hit a breaking pitch to save his soul.
B) Earlier in the day Joe Maddon mentioned that he didn’t think that Pena should be used as a lightning rod of criticism. To be fair, 95% of the conversations that I’ve bared witness to have held Pena accountable for his production (or lack thereof) this season. That is to say that they haven’t directly implicated him for the Rays offensive woes throughout the season. With that in mind, Mr. Cheese McGee made an astute observation, “Pena sits, and the offense tears it up… coincidence??” I’m certainly not going to blame Pena for everything. However, Keppinger was in there for ‘Los tonight, and he did go 4-5, so…
The series preview is below. Indulge.
- How do the Rays fare against the Jays starters? Let’s see.
- Carlos Villanueva: The Rays have posted a .363 BA/.457 OBP/.638 SLG/1.095 OPS line against Villanueva, knocking out five dingers, while driving in 18 runs in 80 at-bats. Key match-ups: Desmond Jennings (3-7, 2B, 3B, ), Matt Joyce (3-8, 2B, BB), Jeff Keppinger (6-15, 2B, RBI, BB), Luke Scott (4-11, 2B, HR, 4 RBI, 2 BB), BJ Upton (3-9, 2B, RBI), Ben Zobrist (3-6, 3 HR, 5 RBI, 3 BB).
- Brandon Morrow: The Rays have posted a .206 BA/.328 OBP/.364 SLG/.692 OPS line against Morrow, with six homers and 18 RBI, in 165 at-bats. Key match-ups: Matt Joyce (6-20, 2 2B, HR, 3 RBI, BB), Evan Longoria (5-20, 2B, 4 BB), Jose Molina (2-6, 2 RBI).
- Henderson Alvarez: Tampa Bay has posted a .330 BA/.376 OBP/.543 SLG/.919 OPS line against Alvarez, with six home runs and 18 RBI, in 94 at-bats. Key Match-ups: Desmond Jennings (3-7, 2 HR, 4 RBI), Matt Joyce (4-11), Jeff Keppinger (2-6), Jose Lobaton (2-3, 3 RBI), Evan Longoria (6-9, 3 HR, 6 RBI), Ben Zobrist (5-12, 2 2B, RBI, BB).
- Ricky Romero: Even though he’s had a spotty year, the Blue Jays ace has traditionally been tough on Tampa Bay, with the Rays posting a .179 BA/.312 OBP/.324 SLG/.636 OPS line against, with six homers and only 17 RBI, in 179 at-bats. Yeesh.
Key match-ups: Evan Longoria (6-23, 3B, RBI, 6 BB), Jose Lobaton (1-3), Ben Zobrist (8-26, 2 2B, 2 HR, 7 RBI, 5 BB).
- The Rays are 8-7 in their last 15, averaging almost five runs a game. On the other hand, the Blue Jays are 3-11 in their last 15 games, (including a rain out) averaging three runs per game.
- The Jays are only three games removed from a seven game losing streak.
- Jose Bautista and Jason Frasor are still on the 15-day DL.
- Jeff Niemann will get his first start in some time on Saturday, after spending a significant amount of time on the DL following a broken fibula at the hands of the Blue Jays. Niemann put together some rather, uh…poor numbers in his rehab stint with Triple-A Durham. The tall RHP went 0-0 with a 7.56 ERA in two starts, striking out four and walking two in 8.1 innings of work.
- Tampa Bay starts the day four games behind the the Yankees in third place in the AL East. They are also a half game behind the Orioles, who are currently clinging onto the second wildcard spot in the AL wildcard race.
- It’s about to get real, reports DRaysBay. We concur.