…And with one out in the bottom of the 18th, a mere hour or so after the remaining fans at the Trop celebrated the 14th inning stretch, the Rays began to put together an inning. Forget that they had other opportunities and squandered them; This one felt different. Desmond Jennings, who was initially scratched from the lineup card (and put in the game in the 10th), cranked a double up the left-field line — quickly* getting into scoring position. Then an erratic Bud Norris fell behind Yunel Escobar, ultimately allowing him to reach on a 3-2 walk. With runners on first and second, one of the heroes from the last extra innings game, David DeJesus, came to the plate with one goal in mind — put the ball into play. DeJesus sent an 0-1 hanger into center-field, plating Jennings from second. A few game peripherals are below.
Tag Archives: AL Wildcard Race
The New What Next: Rays vs O’s, the Final Home Series of the Season
Another day, another important series, as the Rays season ending gauntlet continues. Tampa Bay will welcome the Baltimore Orioles to the Trop for the last time this season, on the heels of an ugly 8-2 loss against the Texas Rangers. The Rays, again, have an opportunity to open up some breathing room in the Wildcard race. Then again, they had a chance to open up room the previous four days, and, well…
The New What Next: Rays Win in 12, 4-3
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to heaven, we were all going direct the other way…
Looking Backward While Moving Forward: Payback’s An, Urm…
Prior to Tuesday night’s game, the Rangers hadn’t hit a homer in seven games. They hit three in last night’s game alone. Ouch. The short summary: Jeremy Hellickson lasted 2-2/3 innings, relinquishing five runs on four hits, including a pair of homers. Tampa Bay starts the day tied with Texas for the first Wildcard spot once again.
Looking Backward While Moving Forward: Rays Win 6-2, Claim Sole Possession of First Wildcard Spot
The Rays walked away from Monday night’s game with sole possession of the first Wildcard spot, after Tampa Bay, led by Alex Cobb, handed the Texas Rangers their seventh consecutive loss. The 6-2 game had everything one could want — a Wil Myers solo shot to the DanJo junk-shot seat in right field, a granny-panties wearing streaker, a six-run unraveling by former Ray Matt Garza, and a productive offense that went 6-11 wRISP.