The New What Next: Rays vs. O’s, A Series Preview

The Tampa Bay Rays finished off the Blue Jays in grandiose fashion Sunday afternoon, with Jose Lobaton mashing his second career walk-off hit — a one run blast to right-field in the bottom of the tenth. Both career walk-offs came in this series. And what a series it was for Jose Lobaton. In the two games he started, Lobi went 4-8 with a triple, homer, run, and three runs batted in. The Rays overall production dropped between the Mariners and Blue Jays’ series, however we saw what could be construed as a return to form for Jeremy Hellickson (who’ll be pitching Wednesday night) and Chris Archer. Tampa Bay closed out its six game home stand with a 4-2 record ahead of their upcoming three-game road trip against the third place Orioles.

Looking Backward While Moving Forward: Rays Clobber the O’s 8-0, Take the Series

On a day aptly titled the Goddamn Deluge, the Tampa Bay Rays jumped all over the Baltimore Orioles in a four hit shutout shellacking, demoralizing their AL East foes by a score of 8-0. Tampa Bay has been able to leapfrog Baltimore in the standings, now claiming sole ownership of third place by a half game. Just two-and-a-half games behind the AL East leading Boston Red Sox, the Rays will look to sweep their second consecutive series against the Orioles Sunday afternoon.

Looking Backward While Moving Forward: Archer Goes Seven Strong in Rays Win Over the Orioles

This game was about Chris Archer. No one else, well maybe Desmond Jennings, but we’ll get to that. Archer, after getting touched for five runs in four innings against the Indians, came out swinging. After hitting Nate McClouth to start the game, Archer settled down and induced two ground balls, from the next two batters, the second being an inning ending double play. He cruised through the first two and two/thirds innings before hitting a rough patch, the only one he would hit all night, walking Chris Dickerson, then walking Nate McClouth followed by a line drive to center field by Manny Machado, scoring Dickerson for Batlimore’s only run. After that, he coasted through the next four innings, allowing only one more hit on a misplay by Jennings in center.

Looking Backward While Moving Forward: Rays Lose to the Tigers 5-2, Enter the Orioles

Tampa Bay dropped the rubber match of the Tigers series Thursday by a score of 5-2, in gem of well pitched game by Max Scherzer. The same culprits that killed the Rays throughout the course of the series — Victor Martinez, Prince Fielder, and Miguel Cabrera — were responsible for Detroit’s five runs, while the Rays offense couldn’t muster enough umph in a game where a win was obtainable — at least when former Ray Joaquin Benoit took the mound in relief.

Looking Backward While Moving Forward: Rays Sweep O’s, Head to Toronto For A Three Game Set

The Tampa Bay Rays ride into Toronto Monday on a huge wave of momentum, following the Rays 3-1 win against — and series sweep of — the Baltimore Orioles. Sunday’s match-up wasn’t a high scoring affair like the previous two games, however the Rays scored just enough to win the game, while Matt Moore shut the door on the Orioles in an excellent outing. Matt Moore became the second left handed starter age 24 or younger to start a season 8-0, following an outstanding 7.0 IP/5 H/1 R/1 ER/1 BB/3 K outing. The first pitcher to do so? Oh, just some guy named Babe Ruth.