Valencia cranked three homers in the game and five in the series/TRAVIS PENDERGRASS
Monday, 5:30 a.m.
Some losses hurt more than others.
There are losses when a team falls just short, or has a great pitching performance. There are losses when there is a wobbly call by the umpire or a ground ball that wasn't fielded. There are games that get away on the basepaths or in the bullpen.
Then there are losses such as the Rays' game on Sunday afternoon.
This one is going to sting for a while.
The Rays lost a 7-6 game to the Oakland A's and slugger Danny
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Valencia, who hit his third home run of the day – and fifth of the series – to
Brandon Guyer had two home runs and five RBI./TRAVIS PENDERGRASS
lead the A's to a come-from-behind victory. The Rays led 5-1 at on point, and they led 6-5 going into the ninth.
“It's good that it only counts as one loss,” said manager Kevin Cash. “This one could feel like three or four.”
Valencia's last home run came on the first pitch he saw from reliever Steve Geltz.
“He just jumped on the first pitch,” Geltz said. “I've got to make better pitches than that and be competitive.”
Brandon Guyer had a big day himself, with two home runs and five RBI. Evan Longoria had a double and home run.
Matt Moore pitched five innings for the Rays, giving up seven hits and four earned runs.
The Rays have now hit 50 home runs on the season, but they remain last in the big leagues in runs scored and batting average.
Tampa Bay begins a three-game series tonight against Toronto when Drew Smyly pitches against J.A. Happ.
Steve Pearce slides in safe at home for Rays./TRAVIS PENDERGRASS
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