Archer didn't last long and fell to 9-10 on the year./CARMEN MANDATO
Thursday, 3 a.m.
Once again, Chris Archer's bottom line didn't match his skill set on Wednesday afternoon.
Archer, who routinely is praised as one of the top starters in the American League, lasted only four innings against the Yankees, giving up all three runs in a 3-2 defeat that pushed the Rays farther out of the AL Wild-Card race. In getting 12 outs, Archer gave up six hits and three earned runs.
That was too much for the Rays, who managed runs on a homer by Kevin Kiermaier and a single by Adeiny Hetchavarria. Five Rays' relievers held the Yankees scoreless, but the damage had been done.
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Kiermaier homered for Rays' first run./CARMEN MANDATO
“It wasn't Arch's day from the get-go,” Rays' manager Kevin Cash said. “He couldn't quite find his rhythm for whatever reason. He felt great. We asked him. He was out of synch for whatever reason. He couldn't quite command any of his pitches.”
The Rays are now 4 ½ games out of the last wild card berth and time is running out. Fifteen games remain.
Archer gave up four hits and a walk in the three-run second inning.
Tampa Bay made a push in the eighth when Hechavarria singled in Evan Longoria, but with runners on first and third, Wilson Ramos struck out swinging.
The Rays return to the Trop Friday night to face the Boston Red Sox. Matt Andriese pitches against Boston ace Chris Sale in a 7:10 p.m. game.
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