The Tampa Bay Rays fielded their “AAA” lineup Sunday afternoon and looked it. After and incredible night Saturday, Joe Maddon felt it necessary to rest his starting lineup, aside from Longo, and replace them with the 2nd string. Andy Sonnanstine endured poor defense and no offense while getting sacked with the loss. Sonny pitched a game typical for him. He gave up 7 hits in 6 2/3 innings, 2 ER (4 runs total), 2 BB and 4 K’s.
The 4th inning was the undoing of the Rays on this day. Evan Longoria committed 2 throwing errors that led to 2 unearned runs. The Twins ended the inning with 4 runs scored which was all they needed as the offense sputtered for the Rays.
Ben Zobrist killed 2 rallies by hitting into double plays and no one else could muster any type of offense. The only bright star on the offense this day was BJ Upton. BJ returned to the lineup to go 3 for 3 with a BB.
Well, let’s hope this is the last we see of this experiment. The Rays still have unfinished business this season. They still are in the lead for the AL East pennant and I certainly hope Joe realizes that this lineup is not the lineup that will get it for him. Seems to me the smart path would be to bear down and win the next 6 games to secure the pennant then rest your regular starters for the playoffs. The Rays lost a game in the standing today as Boston blanked Toronto.
The Rays announced David Price will get his first start Monday night in Baltimore. With a strong defense behind him we should secure this game rather easily I would think. See you all in Baltimore!
