The Tampa Bay Rays will follow their disappointing series loss against the Los Angeles Angels with a pivotal 10-game road trip. First stop: Oakland on Monday for a three-game excursion that could help decide whether or not they remain in the American League wild-card race. The Rays start Monday five games behind Toronto for the American League’s second wild card spot.
Tag Archives: Jeremy Hellickson
Looking Backward While Moving Forward: Hellickson, Rays Fall to Angels 5-3
Friday marked the first game of the post David Price era, and boy was it a doozy! I’m obviously lying. In short Jeremy Hellickson gave up four early runs and couldn’t make it through the fifth inning for the third consecutive game, and Tampa Bay — despite scoring opportunities aplenty — couldn’t overcome a two run deficit. Joe Maddon called it a winnable game in his presser following the contest — and it was. But would have, could have, and should have beens don’t count for anything in baseball; The Rays dropped the first game of the series to the Angels by a 5-3 score. Come to think of it, it didn’t deviate much from a typical Rays’ loss even when Price was on the roster.
The New What Next: The Future is Now, Enter the Angels
If the Rays are going to maintain the attack on the jugular of their opponents, they will have to brush off their shoulders and move on. I know, that’s easier said than done.
It’s now up to Alex Cobb, Ben Zobrist, and Evan Longoria to step up to the metaphorical plate, and fill the chasm left in Price’s wake.
Looking Backward While Moving Forward: Rays Blank Red Sox 3-0, Take Series
The Tampa Bay Rays defeated the sinking Boston Red Sox 3-0 Saturday night at The Trop, behind an excellent effort from the bullpen. Grant Balfour, who pitched 1-2/3 shutout innings in relief, received credit for the win, while Red Sox starter John Lackey getting tagged with the loss. Simply put, the Rays are finding ways to win, and the Red Sox are finding ways to lose. Tampa Bay starts the day 3-1/2 out of the Wildcard, and 6-1/2 out of first in the East. They’re now winners of nine in a row — the longest winning streak of the Joe Maddon era.
The New What Next: The Rays Are Set to Start a Three-Game Series with the Red Sox
The Tampa Bay Rays will welcome the Boston Red Sox into The Trop for a three-game series, Friday night. (Editor’s note: I’m not sure if welcome is the right word)