TAMPA — The Rays managed to score two runs on Thursday, surpassing their total from the past two games combined.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to stop the silence from their hitters, leading to a tough 8-2 loss against the Royals, marking a three-game sweep.
Now sitting at 14-17 overall and 9-13 at home, the team was probably quite ready to board a plane to New York for the weekend.
The game started on a high note when Yandy Diaz hit a homer in the first inning off Seth Lugo — just the fourth time in their last 15 games the Rays scored first.
However, starting pitcher Shane Baz struggled right from the start, throwing nine of his first 11 pitches for balls, which ultimately cost him.
The Royals leveled the score in the fourth inning with a run from Maikel Garcia, who doubled, stole third, and scored on a sacrifice fly.
They seized the lead in the fifth inning, with a three-run rally featuring four extra-base hits, three of which came with two outs. Freddy Fermin started with a double, and then Bobby Witt Jr. homered, extending his hitting streak to 22 games, followed by back-to-back doubles from Vinnie Pasquantino and Salvador Perez.
The Royals extended their lead in the sixth inning, knocking Baz out after he loaded the bases with two walks and a single. Reliever Eric Orze entered and allowed all the runs, hitting Witt to force in one run and enabling Pasquantino to hit a two-run single.
Baz tied his career high for runs allowed at seven and recorded only one strikeout, his lowest ever.
Stat of the Day
1-for-18
This is the Rays’ batting average with runners in scoring position throughout the series.
Historical Context
This home sweep by the Royals is only the second time in franchise history for the Rays, a streak that hasn’t happened since their inaugural season on August 21-23, 1998, when they lost against pitchers Esteban Yan, Wilson Alvarez, and Bryan Rekar.
Upcoming Matchup: Friday vs. Yankees
Game Time: 7:05 PM, Yankee Stadium, New York
Pitchers: Rays —RH Ryan Pepiot (2-3, 4.24); Yankees —LH Max Fried (5-0, 1.19)
TV/Radio: FanDuel Sports Sun, Channel 44; 95.3-FM, 620-AM, 106.7-FM (Spanish)
More Info: raysbaseball.com
On Deck
Saturday: at Yankees, 1:05 PM — Rays, RH Zack Littell (1-5, 5.03); Yankees, RH Clarke Schmidt (0-1, 5.52)
Sunday: at Yankees, 1:35 PM — Rays, RH Taj Bradley (2-2, 4.58); Yankees, RH Will Warren (1-1, 5.63)
Monday: Off
Tuesday: vs. Phillies, 7:05 PM — Rays, RH Drew Rasmussen (1-2, 2.64); Phillies, TBA
Wednesday: vs. Phillies, 7:05 PM — Rays, RH Shane Baz (3-1, 3.86); Phillies, TBA
Thursday: vs. Phillies, 7:05 PM — Rays, RH Ryan Pepiot (2-3, 4.24); Phillies, TBA
• • •
Conclusion
After a disheartening series against the Royals, the Rays will look to bounce back in New York. With the upcoming games, the team hopes to improve its performance and strategy to resist further setbacks.
FAQs
What went wrong for the Rays against the Royals?
The team struggled offensively and had trouble with their pitching, particularly in key moments, allowing the Royals to capitalize on their mistakes.
Who are the key pitchers for the upcoming series against the Yankees?
Ryan Pepiot and Taj Bradley are set to pitch for the Rays in the first two games of the series.
What do the Rays need to improve moving forward?
The Rays should work on their hitting with runners in scoring position and tightening up their pitching strategy to minimize runs in critical situations.
