Wednesday, 4 a.m.
The story of the 2025 Tampa Bay Rays will be an easy one to remember.
They have been good enough to come close.
They have not been good enough to get over the edge.
It happened to the Rays again in Tuesday night's 6-5 loss to Toronto. The Rays are 2-11 in their last 13 games. They've lost six of their last eight one-run games.
The Rays threatened in both the eighth and ninth inning. Trailing 6-3, the Rays scored a run in the eighth when Tristan Gray singled in Josh Lowe. Christopher Morel walked to load the bases, but pinch-hitter Nick Fortes hit into a double play.
In the ninth, the Rays scored another run when Brandon Lowe singled in Chandler Simpson. But with runners on first and second, Josh Lowe and Jake Mangum both struck out swinging off of Jeff Hoffman.
The Rays were three-for-10 with runners in scoring position. They left 10 runners on base.
Ryan Pepiot started for the Rays, but lasted only 1 2/3 innings and gave up four runs. He took his 11th loss of the season (11-11).
Brandon Lowe made it close with his three-run homer in the third. A fan was called for interference, but umpires ruled the ball would have been a home run anyway.
It was Lowe's 29th home run of the season.
Tristan Gray had three hits for the Rays. Yandy Diaz and Brandon Lowe each had two hits.
The Rays and Jays play again today at 7:05 p.m. at Steinbrenner Field. Ian Seymour will start for the Rays against Kevin Gausman.