The Skinny: The Rays saw their winning streak end and saw their rally fall short tonight against the first place Baltimore Orioles. The Rays fell behind 7-0 tonight but put up four runs in the seventh inning to get within three. However, that’s how the game would end, with the Rays falling to 14-12 on the season.
The Pitching: Jason Hammel started for the Rays and couldn’t get out of the third inning. He really struggled with his control, walking four men and giving up six hits in 2.2 innings before getting pulled. JP Howell came on for Hammel and gave up two runs in three innings and Scott Dohmann gave up two runs in 1.1 innings. The Rays pitching has been so good this season it was strange to see an off night.
The Hitting: The Rays got two more hits out of Dioner Navarro, he is now hitting .400 on the season (he was out with an injury) and he continues to swing a hot bat. BJ Upton hit a two run homer in the seventh inning to close the gap from 7-2 to 7-4 and gave the Rays a chance. Carl Crawford, who has been hot as of late, went 1-5 and left a team high five men on base.
What’s Next?: The same two teams will go at again tomorrow night with Andy Sonnanstine going for the Rays. Sonnanstine is 3-1 on the season with an ERA over 5.00. Even though he has pitched well lately, Sonnanstine is likely to be the odd man out when Scott Kazmir returns to the rotation from his injury.
May 2nd, 2008 at 12:17 am
I am having a hard time with Gabe Gross. Why not pinch hit Haynes before him? He went down looking, like a punk. I hope he doesn’t start if BJ misses a game or two. Start Hinske in right and Nate in center if BJ cant go.