Rays Pitchers Struggle in Outdoor Baseball
Outdoor baseball may be a lot more appealing to fans in April, but it hasn’t been too kind to Rays pitchers. One pitch cost Zack Littell his league-leading fourth defeat in a 1-0 loss to the Red Sox on Wednesday night.
Impressive Performance by Littell
David Hamilton led off the third with a full-count homer down the right field line. Despite StatCast calculations showing the ball would not have been a home run in any other park, it travelled 335 feet at Steinbrenner Field. After consecutive shaky starts, Littell improved against Boston, going six innings, giving up five hits, and striking out five. His ERA dropped from 6.48 to 5.88 following the start.
Offensive Struggles for the Rays
After scoring 16 runs on Monday, the Rays offense managed only four more in the three-game series against the Red Sox. Tampa Bay is now 8-7 at Steinbrenner, with a 4-5 record in the current 13-game homestand.
Rays Unable to Capitalize
The Rays had opportunities with runners in scoring position but failed to capitalize. A Yandy Diaz walk and a Junior Caminero single were among their best chances, but they couldn’t convert.
Upcoming Games
Thursday’s game is against the Yankees at 7:05 at Steinbrenner Field. TV/radio coverage will be on FanDuel Sports Sun; 95.3-FM, 620-AM, 106.7-FM (Spanish). Pitchers are listed as Rays – Taj Bradley (2-0, 3.71) and Yankees – RH Will Warren (1-0, 5.14).
On Deck
Friday: vs. Yankees, 7:05. Rays, RH Drew Rasmussen (1-0, 0.60); Yankees, LH Carlos Rodon (1-3, 5.48)
Saturday: vs. Yankees, 4:10. Rays, RH Shane Baz (2-0, 1.42); Yankees, RH Carlos Carrasco (2-1, 5.94)
Sunday: vs. Yankees, 1:40. Rays, RH Ryan Pepiot (1-1, 3.38); Yankees, LH Max Fried (2-0, 1.56)
Monday: Off
Conclusion
The Rays faced a tough loss against the Red Sox, highlighting their struggles in outdoor baseball. With upcoming games against the Yankees, they will look to bounce back and improve their performance.
FAQs
Q: How many games had the Rays gone without being shut out?
A: The Rays had gone 30 games without being shut out before their recent loss to the Red Sox.
