The New What Next: Rays and Angels, A Four Game Set on the West Coast

awbreaker, the relatively famous melodic punk band from the 90’s, coined the phrase, “When it pains it roars.” I could be wrong, but I believe Blake, the former singer and guitarist of Jawbreaker, was referring to the Rays with his Nostradamus like prophecy. After all, the pain really is roaring at the moment following their three-game sweep at the hands A’s — a series in which Tampa Bay scored all of five runs (a 1.6 run per game average), converting only 19% of RISP situations. Mind you too, prior to their most recent — ill fated — series, the Rays came off a lackluster series against the Angels — who they’re facing this week. Tampa Bay wasn’t much better in their last series against the Angels, taking only one game while averaging three runs per game.

Looking Backward While Moving Forward: The “Yeesh” Edition

For the moment, everything is coming up Milhouse for the Rays. Not even a dazzling 2 R/5 H complete game outing by Alex Cobb was good enough Saturday night, as Tampa Bay’s anemic offense couldn’t muster more than a run in the 2-1 loss to the Athletics. Even then, that run came in a late game rally off former Ray Grant Balfour. It certainly doesn’t take into account all of the squandered opportunities leading up to that point.

Looking Backward While Moving Forward: Rays Lose 3-2 in Extra Innings

Tampa Bay dropped the last game of their their three game set against the New York Yankees Sunday, by a score of 3-2 in extra innings. All is not lost though — the Rays walked away with the series victory. That, my friends, is what really matters. And with that series win, Tampa Bay was able …

The New What Next: Rays Take the Second Game 4-2, and the Series

It’s been said before, and I’ll say it again: It felt like a postseason atmosphere at the Trop the last two nights. After all, two toasty teams were pinned against one another in front of a pair of big — rambunctious — crowds. And while the Rays have aspirations of winning the AL East, the Yankees are struggling to stay relevant. Likewise, the fans the Bronx Bummers struggled to stay relevant in the confines of the Trop Saturday night, as they watched the one opportunity to tag David Price for more than two runs get flushed down the toilet.

Looking Backward While Moving Forward: Rays Win 7-4, Take Series (Updated)

For better or worse, gritty games have become par for the course for the Tampa Bay Rays over the last week or so. Nevertheless, a wise man once said, “A win, is a win, is a win.” The Rays won a hard fought 7-4 game against the Orioles Tuesday night — marking their fourth consecutive win and their third consecutive series win. The Rays success can largely be credited to the pitching staff, helmed by Alex Cobb, and a huge five-run ninth inning.