The Rays continued their losing ways in Cleveland and on the road by losing their 5th straight game on this road trip and 17th straight in Cleveland. The pitching wasn’t bad the hitting stunk this time.
SP Jeff Niemann went 3+ innings giving up 5 hits, 1 ER, 1 BB while collecting 5 K’s. Niemann looked good on the mound today – he’s beginning to show a bit more confidence pitching on the inside. After a 2:40 rain delay RP Lance Cormier took to the bump and had another really good outing. He gave up 1 ER on 2 hits and 1 BB while striking out 4. JP Howell competed the last 2 innings of the game in stellar fashion by giving up 0 hits and 0 BB while striking out 3.
The Ray shave been begging for a great pitching performance and they got it. The Ray offense was not able to capitalize on the opportunities given to them. Willy Aybar was responsible for the lone Ray run by belting a HR off the RF wall that was upheld upon review. Aybar, Carl Crawford and Ben Zobrist were responsible for the majority of the Rays offense each having 2 hits in 4 attempts. The 7-8-9 hitters were not able to take advantage of the runners on before them. The Rays were 0 for 7 with RISP.
Look I cannot be too upset over the lack of run production as the Rays currently lead MLB in that category. However, I will say that I think our offense needs to be a bit more creative and needs to play a little small ball. I hate to say this but I’m going to. CC tried to lay down a bunt and hit a lazy pop to 1B. At this level and with the speed CC has it is an embarrassment that he cannot drag bunt. I know bunting is a lost art and everyone is swinging for the fences but let’s get real. CC does not possess enough power to be a big hitter he has the speed to be a great bunter but, I guess, he flat out refuse to learn it and apply it. That’s embarrassing in my opinion.
The Rays are clearly not the same team they were last year. Did you really expect them to go wire to wire in 1st place again? If you did you are/were being unrealistic. Now the question is what are they going to change to gain some momentum? Play small ball – it is what you have to offer! You have speed – use it! As far as the pitching goes – not much to change here, pitchers just have to do a better job hitting their locations. Too many balls left hanging over the middle of the plate.
The Rays head back to The Trop to take on the Twinkies. See you there!
