TAMPA — Things have taken a turn for the worse for the Rays.
Despite a solid start from Ryan Pepiot and several key hits, they entered the eighth inning with a commanding four-run lead. Fans were hopeful as the top relievers were lined up, and it seemed like a time to silence the critics at Steinbrenner Field.
What followed was another frustrating and historic defeat.
The 7-6 loss in 10 innings against the Phillies marked the first time in their 28-season history that the Rays lost a home game after leading by four or more runs heading into the eighth inning.
“Yeah,” noted Pepiot, “it’s a tough one.”
The Rays had played quite well to secure a 5-1 lead by the eighth inning.
Pepiot conceded just one run over six impressive innings, Junior Caminero launched a solo homer in the first, and Yandy Diaz smashed a three-run homer in the seventh.
“Definitely felt very good,” said manager Kevin Cash.
However, a series of blunders changed the momentum.
Edwin Uceta surrendered a three-run homer in the eighth inning. In the ninth, Pete Fairbanks made a critical pickoff error, allowing the tying run to come home. Manny Rodriguez later gave up a crucial double and a single that decided the game in the 10th.
“We like to win when they give us five,” Fairbanks remarked. “It’s disappointing. I vented my frustrations in a healthy way. We’ll bounce back. I believe we showed some positive signs. If my throw hadn’t hit the padding, things could’ve been different.”
Instead, it was another painful chapter as the Rays dropped to 16-21, matching the low point of five games below .500 they experienced last season.
Their dreadful home record now features seven consecutive losses, with 11 defeats in their last 12 games, and 16 out of 25 overall. This disappointing streak includes being swept at home in back-to-back series for the first time since 2011.
They also extended their losing streak against the Phillies to nine games, with the visiting team enjoying support from a crowd of 10,046.
After a rocky season start, the Rays’ bullpen had improved and had them confident in sealing a victory.
With two outs and a runner on first in the eighth, Uceta allowed a single to the ninth-place hitter Brandon Marsh, followed by a 409-foot homer from Bryson Stott on a 1-2 fastball.
“It was a pitch I wanted to throw,” Uceta explained through the team interpreter. “He’s a solid hitter. I didn’t expect him to aim for the home run.”
The Phillies nearly evened the score that inning when Trea Turner hit a powerful shot that bounced off left-fielder Christopher Morel’s glove at the top of the wall, leading to a double. Rookie Mason Montgomery managed to secure a critical out against Bryce Harper.
However, the Rays lost the lead in the ninth due to Fairbanks’ pickoff mistake.
After pinch-running Jonathan Aranda with Travis Jankowski in the eighth — attempting to extend their lead by stealing second but failing to score — the Rays faced limited options at first base.
Brandon Lowe had minimal experience, Yandy Diaz would require sacrificing the designated hitter role with only one bench player left, or they could shift Caminero, who had limited experience at first.
Fairbanks allowed a leadoff single to Kyle Schwarber, who was replaced by speedy Johan Rojas. Fairbanks knew this run was crucial.
“Rojas is one of the fastest guys, trailing just behind Chandler Simpson in our locker room,” Fairbanks said. “So you know they’re going to take off, and you want to keep them there. … I’d rather have him on first, but he ended up on third.”
His first pickoff attempt was successful, but the subsequent throw slipped off Caminero’s glove.
“I did my best, but I couldn’t catch the ball,” Caminero remarked through the interpreter.
Rojas sprinted to third and scored on an infield grounder that tied the game.
Fairbanks took responsibility: “A first baseman should make that catch. If I throw the ball poorly, that falls on me.”
The anguish didn’t stop there.
The Phillies scored two quick runs in the tenth on hits by Marsh and Turner off Rodriguez. The Rays managed one back from a two-out single by Danny Jansen, and kept the hope alive with a single from Simpson. But then Caballero struck out, ending their chances.
“It’s frustrating, but this won’t be the last time,” Uceta stated. “We need to keep attacking the hitters and focus on winning games.”
Conclusion
The Rays’ recent performance raises concerns among fans. With key games ahead, the team must regroup and refocus. Can they turn things around before it’s too late?
FAQs
What happened in the Rays vs. Phillies game?
The Rays lost 7-6 in 10 innings after leading by four runs in the eighth inning, marking a historic low for their franchise.
Who were the standout players in the game?
Ryan Pepiot started strong, and Yandy Diaz hit a significant three-run homer, but the Rays couldn’t hold onto their lead.
What can the Rays learn from this game?
The team needs to improve their defensive plays, especially in clutch situations, to avoid this kind of loss in the future.
