Sunday, 3 a.m.
And so, the Tampa Bay Rays have re-opened the discussion about their "opener" strategy.
The Rays went back to their opener Sunday, and they got the matchups they wanted. However, their third pitcher of the day -- 16-game winner Ryan Yarbrough of a year ago -- faltered, and the team absorbed a 6-4 defeat. It lowered the team's record to 6-3 on the season.
Although some had expected Yonny Chirinos to pitch, five left-handed batters in the Giants' lineup convinced manager Kevin Cash to change
Content beyond this point is for members only.
Already a member? To view the rest of this column, sign in using the handy "Sign In" button located in the upper right corner of the GarySheltonSports.com blog (it's at the far right of the navigation bar under Gary's photo)!
Not a member? It's easy to subscribe so you can view the rest of this column and all other premium content on GarySheltonSports.com.
his plan, instead going with Ryne Stanek (who threw two perfect innings), then Jalen Beeks.
And then Yarbrough, who couldn't get lefties out. In the fifth, he surrendered a walk, a single a double and a home run to Brandon Belt, and a 3-2 lead turned into a 6-3 deficit.
The most disappointing part of the inning?
“Probably the leadoff walk to a lefty," said Rays' manager Kevin Cash. "It was a little uncharacteristic. Not ideal."
The Rays had scored two in the top of the fifth and threatened to score more. But Kevin Pillar made a diving catch on a bases-loaded liner by Tommy Pham.
Jeff Samardzija, a critic of the Opener Blueprint, started for the Giants.
The Rays play the deciding game of the series today against the Giants at 4:05. Chirinos pitches against Drew Pomeranz of the Giants.
{ 0 comments… read it below or Subscriptions }