TAMPA — The Rays did many things right on Thursday but ended up with a tough 7-6 loss in extra innings against the Phillies.
With a solid performance from Ryan Pepiot and home runs from Junior Caminero and Yandy Diaz, the Rays had a 5-1 lead going into the eighth inning.
However, the Phillies clawed back with a three-run homer by Bryson Stott off Edwin Uceta, tightening the score.
Trea Turner nearly extended the rally with a deep hit to left field, but Christopher Morel couldn’t quite make the catch. Turner reached second base, but rookie lefty Mason Montgomery came in to force Bryce Harper into a groundout.
In the ninth, the Phillies tied the game against Rays closer Pete Fairbanks. Kyle Schwarber opened with a single, and pinch-runner Johan Rojas advanced to third due to a wild throw. He scored on an infield groundout.
The Phillies struck twice in the 10th off Manny Rodriguez, starting with a first-pitch double from Brandon Marsh, bringing Edmundo Sosa home. After a sacrifice bunt, Turner added another run with a single.
The Rays managed one run in their half of the 10th on a Danny Jansen single.
This loss marked the Rays’ seventh consecutive defeat at home and their 11th in the past 12 games at Steinbrenner Field.
Additionally, it was their ninth straight loss to the Phillies, dating back to August 2021.
The Rays fell behind early once again. Stott began the game with a double, advanced on Turner’s flyout, and scored on Harper’s sacrifice fly.
The Rays quickly responded, tying things up on a two-out homer by Caminero, making it his team-leading seventh of the season.
In the third inning, the Rays took the lead through a team effort. Taylor Walls kicked things off with a single, stole second, and moved to third on a Diaz flyout. After a walk to Morel, he scored on a sacrifice lineout by Caminero.
Rays pitchers were dominant, retiring 15 out of 16 Phillies until J.T. Realmuto broke the streak with a single in the seventh off Uceta. This set the stage for the Phillies’ rally, culminating in Stott’s impressive three-run homer.
Pepiot was impressive over his six innings, allowing just one run on two hits and two walks. He struck out three batters, marking the 11th consecutive game where Rays starters have recorded three or fewer strikeouts.
Numbers of the Day
15, 14
Catchers Danny Jansen and DH Yandy Diaz each extended their reaching-base streaks to 15 and 14 games, respectively. Jansen matched his career high from July 2023 with Toronto and holds the longest run since Randy Arozarena’s 19-game streak last year. Diaz previously boasted a 29-game run last year.
Tonight: vs. Brewers
7:05 PM, Steinbrenner Field
Pitchers: Rays — RH Zack Littell, (2-5, 4.61); Brewers — LH Jose Quintana (4-1, 2.83)
TV/Radio: FanDuel Sports Sun, Ch. 44; 95.3-FM, 620-AM, 106.7-FM (Spanish)
Info: raysbaseball.com
On Deck
Saturday: vs. Brewers, 4:10 PM. Rays, RH Taj Bradley, (3-2, 4.43); Brewers, RH Tobias Myers (1-0, 3.65)
Sunday: vs. Brewers, 1:40 PM. Rays, RH Drew Rasmussen (1-3, 3.09); Brewers, TBA
Monday: Off
Tuesday: at Blue Jays, 7:07 PM. Rays, RH Shane Baz; Jays, TBA
Wednesday: at Blue Jays, 7:07 PM. Rays, RH Ryan Pepiot (2-4, 4.23); Jays, TBA
Thursday: at Blue Jays, 3:07 PM. Rays, RH Zack Littell (2-5, 4.61); Jays, TBA
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Conclusion
Despite an impressive start and a strong performance from key players, the Rays fell short in another gripping game against the Phillies. Fans are hopeful that with the upcoming matches against the Brewers, the team can turn things around. Remember to tune in for more exciting action!
FAQs
What was the final score of the game?
The final score was 7-6 in favor of the Phillies after extra innings.
Who hit home runs for the Rays?
Junior Caminero and Yandy Diaz both hit home runs during the game.
When is the next game?
The next game is against the Brewers tonight at 7:05 PM.
Who will be pitching for the Rays tonight?
Zack Littell will be on the mound for the Rays.
