Even with Scott Kazmir on the mound the Tampa Bay Rays were unable to pick up a win on Sunday afternoon. Kazmir was solid but the offense really struggled to get much of anything going against the Astros pitching staff. They lost 3-2 to drop to 44-31 on the season.
Kazmir started on the hill and went 5.2 innings. While he struck out seven men, he did give up two home runs and all three of Houston’s runs. Kazmir is now 6-3 on the season. Grant Balfour was very impressive in relief of Kazmir. He got six out and four of them came via the strike out. The Rays bullpen was terrific and kept the team in the game.
The Rays took a 2-0 lead in the second inning on an Evan Longoria two run home run. The Rays lineup could muster only six hits all game and no player collected more than one. They were able to work six walks but left seven men on base to end innings and just couldn’t get any runs past the second inning to get back into the game.
The Rays will take a day off on Monday and will look to get back on track with some wins. On Tuesday they will start a series with the Florida Marlins. Andy Sonnanstine will start the opener. Game time is 7:10pm.
