Looking Backward While Moving Forward: Rays Get Scherzered, Longo Leave In A Walking Boot

Going into Friday night’s game, two stats jumped off the page as I typed the series preview: Max Scherzer was 11-0 with a 3.05 ERA. And though Scherzer wasn’t as dominant Friday night as he had been the last time the Tigers starter faced the Rays, he was good enough. Scherzer struck out nine, walked just …

The New What Next: Rays vs Tigers, A Series Preview of Sorts

The Rays will welcome the AL Central leading Detroit Tigers into the Trop for a three game set Friday, following their last off-day before the All-Star break. Le Tigre has cooled down somewhat following the last meeting between the two teams, at the beginning of June. As of June 27th, the Tigers have lost eight of their last 15 games while averaging just under three runs per game. The Rays haven’t fared much better. Tampa Bay has lost nine of their last 15 games, though they’ve averaged over three runs per game in that stretch.

The New What Next: Rays Return to the Trop to Face the Blue Jays

It would be safe to say that Chris Archer needed a win Sunday. His last few starts — sandwiched between an excellent start against the Orioles on the seventh — left a lot to be desired. Archer seemed to be a bit over amped, and hadn’t been nearly as efficient as most knew he could, and should, have been. Archer quelled the fears of many a Rays fan Sunday, putting together an excellent 6 IP/6 H/1 R/1 ER/1 BB/4 K outing, leading the charge in a 3-1 victory against the Yankees. The Rays will use the accrued momentum when they return to the Trop Monday to take on the charging Toronto Blue Jays.

Looking Backward While Moving Forward: The “A Few Quotes Should Sum Things Up Edition”

“We saw Wil-power today, but 9 walks by our pitchers was too much to overcome.” – Joe Maddon

The New What Next: Rays vs Yankees – Snooze Fest 2013 Series Preview

Facing a team on the slide (Editors note: similar to the slide pictured above. That is to say, it’s not been pretty) can act as a catalyst for another, especially when the presumptive wins come at the hands of the Yankees. Both New York and Tampa Bay have run into an impenetrable brick walls of late. The Yankees have won four of their last ten games, while the Rays have won only two.