Sunday, 4 a.m.
It isn’t just the frequency with which the Rays seem to go from behind a competitive team to a punching bag these days.
It’s the speed in which they get there.
Take Saturday’s 9-2 bashing at the hands of the Atlanta Braves. One minute, the Rays led 1-0. A finger snap later, and they trailed 5-1.
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As quick as you can say “snap, crackle, pop,” Rays’ pitcher Ryan Pepiot gave up home runs to three of four hitters, leading the way to yet another loss by the last-place Rays.
Atlanta got home runs from Jarred Kelenic (392 feet), Marcell Ozunz (423 feet) and Matt Olson (397 feet) in the fift inning.. Two innings later, Austin Riley hit another one.
The Rays have now given up 98 home runs, the most in the major leagues.
The Rays scored in the first inning on a sacrifice fly by Josh Lowe. Theys cored in the ninth on Randy Arozarena’s ninth home run.
Jose Siri had two hits for Tampa Bay.
Former Ray pitcher Charlie Morton pitched six innings for Atlanta, allowing just three hits and striking out eight.
The Rays are five games under .500 for the first time in six years.
The Rays try to avoid a sweep today in Atlanta at 1:35 p.m. Zach Eflin will start for the Rays against Hurston Waldrep.