The Skinny: The Rays were looking to rebound in Boston behind their ace, James Shields, but it just didn’t work out. The Rays lost in Boston to the Red Sox 12-4 on Saturday and dropped to 16-14 on the season.
The Pitching: Shields had been very sharp all season but he just didn’t have it on Saturday. He lasted only 3.2 innings and gave up 7 ER. He also allowed 10 hits and gave up three walks. The bullpen provided no relief for the Rays as they went 4.1 innings and gave up 5 runs to a tough Red Sox line up.
The Hitting: Trailing 3-0 in the second inning, Gabe Gross took a Josh Beckett pitch over the wall for a two run homer, that made it as close as the Rays would get. Akinori Iwamura hit a solo shot later in the game to tack on another run for the Rays. Dioner Navarro had a pair of hits for the Rays.
What’s Next?: The Rays “real” ace, Scott Kazmir will make his much anticipated debut on Sunday against Boston. Kazmir will likely not throw too many pitches as the Rays look for him to work his way back and stay healthy in the process.
