Thursday, 4 a.m.
Sometimes, the odds catch up to you.
Even in an up-and-down season, the Tampa Bay Rays seemed to be a solid favorite over the Miami Marins Wednesday. For one thing, it was the Marlins, and the Rays always beat the Marlins. They had won 24 of the last 27 games the teams had played, and all three this season. For another, pitcher Taj Bradley was throwing as if he invented the craft. He had nine straight dominating performances.
And guess what?
Miami won 6-2.
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Bradley reminded everyone that he’s still a 23-year-old work in progress, giving up four earned runs in five innings. During his streak, Bradley had allowed just three home runs; Wednesday, he allowed two.
The Rays led 2-1, but the Marlins scored five straight runs.
Newly acquired Christoper Morel homered for the second straight game. Jonny DeLuca had two triples.
The Rays were one-for-10 with runners in scoring position. Twice, they didn't get DeLuca home after a one-out triple. The Rays left six men on base.
Xavier Edwards drove in three runs for the Marlins.
The Rays are now 55-53 on the season.
The Rays are off today. They play at Houston on Friday night. Shane Baz will start for the Rays and Ronel Blanco for the Astros.