It’s tough being in the AL East. You could make the claim that the Rays are the third best team in the American League, yet they’re going to go without a playoff spot because they play in a division with the two best teams. Throw in the way the ownership is holding the team hostage to get a new ballpark and it makes it tough to be a Rays fan. Still, we have a month of baseball left and while the chances of the Rays making a run are slim, they could still have an impact on some of the races.
Last night they did just that with a win over the Rangers. James Shields pitched eight shutout innings in a 4-1 win. Kyle Farnsworth came in and gave up a run in the ninth but that was it.
Johnny Damon went one for three with a walk and an RBI. Matt Joyce also reached base with a single, a walk and he drove in a run.
The rubber game is tonight. Jeff Niemann throws for the Rays and C.J. Wilson gets the ball for the Rangers. Let’s hope the Rays at least make things interesting in September.
