**TAMPA** — The Rays are struggling to find their rhythm at Steinbrenner Field.
After an impressive five-game winning streak during their trip to Arizona and San Diego, the Rays came back home on Tuesday only to face another defeat.
In a 3-1 loss to the Royals — a team that had been fluctuating around .500 with a 14-15 record despite a recent hot streak of six wins in seven games — the Rays fell to 14-15. Their home game record now stands at 9-11, having lost six of their last seven at home.
Despite the loss, the team celebrated their 20th consecutive sellout at Steinbrenner, which can hold 10,046 fans.
Starting pitcher Taj Bradley, who has had a rough start to games this season, dug an early hole for the Rays by allowing runs in both the first and second innings. Those were the only runs he would give up in a solid seven-inning performance.
Jonathan India, the former Florida Gators standout and the Royals’ leadoff hitter, opened the game with a single. He advanced to third on a couple of ground balls and crossed home plate on a two-out double by Salvador Perez.
The Royals extended their lead to 2-0 in the second inning when Drew Waters walked, advanced to third on Freddy Fermin’s single, and scored on a sacrifice fly by Kyle Isbel, batting ninth.
The Rays, who struggled to convert scoring chances early on, managed to score a run in the fourth inning thanks to Junior Caminero. He crushed a pitch 410 feet to center field, clocking an exit velocity of 110.6 mph — his team-leading sixth homer of the season, extending his hitting streak to six games.
Although the Rays had a good opportunity to even the score in the fifth inning when Yandy Diaz doubled with two outs, Brandon Lowe struck out to end the threat.
Another chance came in the eighth inning when Lowe and Caminero both got on base. However, Jonathan Aranda struck out and Christopher Morel grounded out to keep the score at 3-1.
Highlighting the Royals’ performance, star Bobby Witt singled in the eighth to reach a 20-game hitting streak.
Upcoming Game: Wednesday vs. Royals
**Time:** 7:05 PM, Steinbrenner Field
Pitchers: Rays, RH Drew Rasmussen (1-1, 2.10); Royals, LH Noah Cameron (MLB debut)
TV/Radio: FanDuel Sports Florida; 95.3-FM, 620-AM, 106.7-FM (Spanish)
More info: raysbaseball.com
Next Games
Thursday: vs. Royals, 1:10 PM. Rays, RH Shane Baz (3-0, 2.45); Royals, RH Seth Lugo (2-3, 3.08)
Friday: at Yankees, 7:05 PM. Rays, RH Ryan Pepiot (2-3, 4.24); Yankees, LH Max Fried (5-0, 1.19)
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
Injury Report
• OF Jonny DeLuca (10-day, right shoulder strain)
• RHP Alex Faedo (60-day, right shoulder inflammation)
• RHP Kevin Kelly (15-day, left gluteal strain)
• INF Ha-Seong Kim (10-day, right shoulder surgery recovery)
• LHP Nathan Lavender (60-day, left shoulder surgery recovery)
• OF Josh Lowe (10-day, right oblique strain)
• OF Jake Mangum (10-day, left groin strain)
• LHP Shane McClanahan (60-day, left triceps nerve-related issue)
• INF/OF Richie Palacios (10-day, right knee sprain)
Conclusion
The Rays are hoping to turn around their home game fortunes soon as they face the Royals again Wednesday. With talent like Junior Caminero showing promise, the team still has reason to stay optimistic.
FAQs
Q: When is the next game?
A: The next game is on Wednesday at 7:05 PM against the Royals.
Q: Who is pitching for the Rays?
A: Drew Rasmussen will be starting for the Rays.
Q: How are the ticket sales looking?
A: The Rays have announced their 20th straight sellout at Steinbrenner Field.
• • •
