Another homer leads to Rays’ defeat

by Gary Shelton on June 27, 2024

in general

Caballeros had three hits./TIM WIRT

Thursday, 4 a.m.

By now, you know the drill. Repeatedly, you have seen the Tampa Bay Rays succumb to it.

The starting pitcher is doing well until the middle innings, clinging to a narrow lead. In a heartbeat, he seems to lose command. Then he gives up a big home run, and just like that, the Rays are playing chase.

Again.

The Rays fell to Seattle, 5-2, by walking the familiar path Wednesday afternoon. They fell to 40-41 on the season.







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This time, it started in the fifth inning. Ryan Pepiot was throwing a one-hitter and leading 1-0. But, after a walk,  manager Kevin Cash pulled Pepiot for Shawn Armstrong. Armstrong promptly walked another batter and gave up a three-run homer to Cal Raleigh.

The Rays have given up 113 home runs on the season.

In the seventh, J.P. Crawford had a two-run single to pad the lead.

The Rays had just five hits — three by Jose Caballeros and two by Yandy Diaz. Diaz hit in his 19th straight game, a franchise record.

Tampa Bay loaded the bases with no one out in the ninth on two walks and a hit batter, but Amed Rosario hit into a game-ending double play.

Seattle’s George Kirby went six innings and gave up just one earned run.

The Rays are off today. They are home against the Nationals on Friday at 6:40 p.m.

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