Monday, 4 a.m.
Have the Tampa Bay Rays re-armed?
After the trading deadline, after the team traded away dependable Jason Adam, there might have been some concerns over the Rays’ ability to make a slim lead stand up.
In Sunday’s 1-0 victory over the Houston Astros, however, it seemed as if the Rays are as strong as ever. Five Rays’ pitchers combined for the three-hit shutout, stretching their scoreless streak against the Astros to 16 straight innings. The Rays won their 12th series in their last 13.
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Tyler Alexander, the second pitcher, was perhaps the most impressive. He came on with the bases loaded in the first and got out of the jam. He pitched 4 1/3 innings of two-hit baseball.
But that wasn’t all. Edwin Uceta and Manny Rodriguez went three innings of no-hit baseball, filling Adam’s old slot capably. Pete Fairbanks had a perfect ninth to get his 21st save.
The Rays again struggled at the plate, striking out 15 times. In the series, they struck out 41 times and were three-for-21 with runners in scoring position. Yet, they took two of the games.
Brandon Lowe had two hits, including an RBI double in the third. He drove in Dylan Carlson, who had also doubled.
The Rays are off today. They travel to St. Louis for a Tuesday night game at 7:45 p.m. Jeffrey Springs will start for the Rays against Sonny Gray.