Looking Backward While Moving Forward: Moore Pulled Early, Rays Fall 4-2

The Tampa Bay Rays fell to 4-4 on the year, after dropping the first game of a three-game set against Jason Vargas and the Royals, by a score of 4-2. The Rays have now lost seven consecutive games at Kauffman Stadium — extending back to 2012. What’s more, the starting rotation could be down a pitcher (for an unknown amount of time) on the heels of Matt Moore’s early departure from Monday night’s game.

The New What Next: Rays Vs. Royals — A Series Preview of Sorts

The Tampa Bay Rays bid adieu to the Trop Sunday afternoon following their 3-0 loss to the Texas Rangers. All is not lost however, the Rays went 4-3 in their first home stand of the year, leaving the confines of the big top as the only team in the AL East with a +.500 record. I know… It’s still really early, but it feels really good to mention that Tampa Bay is in first place. They’ll begin a long nine game road trip in Kansas City, Monday. The Royals are coming off of a tough 5-1 loss to the Chicago White Sox, one in which James Shields tossed seven innings of one run ball. The ChiSox blew the game open after Juego G was pulled.

Looking Backward While Moving Forward: Rays Come From Behind to Win, 5-4

“Sometimes you eat the bar, and sometimes the bar eats you,” a good friend once wrote. To that end, sometimes you go to a fine local establishment to share a few drinks in a joyous environment with friends, and sometimes you feel a bit slow in the morning — this being one of those times. Forgive me. The Rays came from behind late in the game Saturday, walking away with 5-4 against Ron Washington’s crew. This being their third consecutive win, I believe that’s what the sabermetricians call a winning streak. Since I’m under, urm…precarious conditions at the moment, I’ll stick with the game peripherals, as opposed to a full on game recap.