WOW! What a devastating loss! The Tampa Bay Rays fought all the way back in the 9th inning to tie the game then take the lead in the top of the 13th. That lead was painfully erased as Troy Percival loaded the bases and with 2 outs gave up a grand slam to backup catcher Greg Zaun. Unbelievable!
I have not made this declaration so far this year but here goes…….This loss sits squarely on the shoulders of our fearless leader Joe Maddon. It was clear that Percival was struggling and he opted to leave him out there. Bad move Joe! It would have still been a bad move had Percival gotten Zaun out! Percival served up 2 home runs to the Yankees his last outing as well!
The Rays showed a lot of determination scoring 3 runs, 2 off a 2nd level blast by PH Rocco Baldelli, in the 9th inning of Blue Jay closer BJ Ryan. Fernando Perez has made his name known as well on the base path. Perez was entered as a PR for Willy Aybar in the top of the 9th. Perez promptly stole 2nd base and scored on a line shot by Dioner Navarro that skipped through the wickets of BJ 2nd baseman Joe Inglett. In the top of the 13th inning Perez reached base on a FC. He then stole 2nd and 3rd scored the go ahead run on a 2 out single by Navi. Outstanding come back!
Maddon needs to address several issues this team is having. The first issue would be his own “loyalty” issue. Maddon has openly stated that he is a very loyal guy. Although loyalty is a great character trait it cannot get in the way of winning. This team has come a long way in 1 season, these players have fought hard. There is no reason to allow Percival to remain in that game last night when he was struggling as he clearly was. That needs to stop Joe! The second issue is our “closer” situation. Clearly Percival is no longer an MLB closer. Yeah, I know….last night was his first blown save. He has saved 27 out of 31. But, how many of those saves were 1-2-3 outs and involved little to no 9th inning drama. My answer — FEW OF THEM! Our “closer” now has an ERA of 4.91! Something needs to change and change fast.
All this being said, the Rays still maintain a 2.5 game lead in the AL East (thank you Rangers!) and still have the best record in MLB! So, watch today’s game for a series turn around to begin!
