There isn’t much that can be said about Wednesday’s series finale against the Blue Jays. In short, RA Dickey returned to his 2012 Cy Young Award winning form, pitching a two-hit — two hour and ten minute — complete game shutout. Dickey was outstanding, allowing only three base runners while walking one and striking six.
Tampa Bay was incapable of mounting a rally on this fateful day. Dickey induced weak contact with his knuckle-ball that fluttered all over the zone, while Desmond Jennings was the only Ray to get into scoring position on his ninth stolen base of the year, following a seventh inning walk.
Roberto Hernandez, by all accounts, had a solid outing. He pitched well enough to get a win on any other day, just not this one. Going eight strong innings, Robo allowed six hits overall (including two home runs) while walking one and striking out five. As we’ve grown uncomfortably accustomed to, Hernandez was masterful much of the time, but was hurt by a few mistakes. This time he left two off-speed pitches up and in the middle of the zone, consequently resulting in a pair of home runs. You’ve got to hand it to him though, Hernandez did a good job of eating innings and sparing the bullpen. Robo has now lost three consecutive starts and five of his last seven. Ouch. Hey, at least the Rays took the series!
Moving Forward.
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.
Max Scherzer: Per Rotowire, “Scherzer became the majors’ first 11-game winner Saturday after holding the Red Sox to two runs on six hits over seven innings.” Scherzer is looking for his major league-leading 12th win and fifth in as many starts on Friday. Scherzer allowed two earned runs in seven innings to defeat the Red Sox on Saturday and has struck out 122 batters in 102 1/3 total innings. Scherzer held Tampa Bay to one run in seven innings to earn a win on June 6 and is 2-2 with a 2.64 ERA against them in his career. Key match-ups: Yunel Escobar (11-28, 3 2B, HR, 3 RBI, 3 BB), Kelly Johnson (4-13, 2 2B), James Loney (5-17, 2B, HR, 5 RBI, BB).
Justin Verlander: Per Rotowire, “Verlander took a no-decision Sunday against the Red Sox after throwing five innings and allowing four runs on seven hits and three walks, raising his ERA to 3.90 on the year.” The Rays have yet to face Verlander (2-3, 4.14 ERA against Tampa Bay since 2010) this season, though that will change Saturday. Verlander hasn’t been nearly as consistent in 2013 as he has in the past. The Tigers ace has gone six or fewer innings seven times while throwing a lot pitches in the process. What’s more, he’s given up four or more runs on four different occasions, relying on the offense to bail him out twice. Key match-ups: Desmond Jennings (3-7, 2 HR, 2 RBI), Matt Joyce (2B, 2 HR, 5 RBI, BB), Evan Longoria (7-25, 2B, 3B, HR, 4 RBI, BB), Sean Rodriguez (2-7, 2 2B).
Rick Porcello: Per Rotowire, “Porcello got hit around Tuesday, giving up seven earned runs on 10 hits and two walks with two strikeouts in 4.1 innings against the Halos.” Porcello has been very good against the Rays over 21-1/3 innings of work, posting a 1-1 record and a 2.53 ERA in that span. Then again, Porcello has given up four earned runs or more in five starts this season, including the seven run game referenced above. Key match-ups: Yunel Escobar (1-3), Desmond Jennings (3-7, RBI).
Noteworthiness
- Surprise surprise, Miguel Cabrera has hit safely in 12 straight games.
- Miguel Cabrera is 13 for 25 in his last seven games against the Rays, while Fielder is 8 for 15 in his last four.
- Max Scherzer has benefited from the best run-support average in baseball at 7.84.
- It’s safe to say that the Tigers’ offense can be overwhelming, led by the quartet of Miguel Cabrera (who leads the majors with 112 hits and 78 RBIs), Prince Fielder, Torii Hunter and Victor Martinez.
- Detroit leads the American League in average and on-base percentage.
- Former Ray Joaquin Benoit is the unofficial replacement for Jose Valverde, who was dumped again last week.
- Similar to Tampa Bay, Detroit has lost nine games when leading in the seventh inning or later.
- David Price is slated to throw a bullpen session Friday and if all goes well, he may be back in the rotation next week in Houston according to a Jim Hickey interview on 620 WDAE.