Monday, 4 a.m.
When a team has blown a game this badly, it is natural to begin the search for the one to blame. So who do you pin the Rays’ 7-6 loss to Seattle on?
— Jason Adam? The Rays’ reliever gave up the winning run in the seventh inning without giving up a hit. He walked two and hit two batters, the second of which was No. 9 hitter Jose Caballero. Adam is one of the mainstays of the Rays’ bullpen, but this year he has two losses and has blown three saves.
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— Taj Bradley? The Rays staked Bradley to a 6-1 lead, but he could get only 10 outs on the day. In the third inning, when he gave up four, the Mariners consistently hit ropes against him, especially with two strikes.
— The Rays’ hitters? The Rays started well against all-star Luis Castillo, getting seven hits and six runs in the first three innings. But then they froze, getting only one hit in their final six team at-bats.
— Isaac Paredes? Paredes was involved in a collision at third base with Ty France. The umpires called France out initially, then changed it and gave France third base. The Mariners would score two of their four runs in the inning afterward.
And so it went. The Mariners took two of three games against the Rays, who no longer have the best record in baseball (the Braves do).
Given the start, it should have felt better for the Rays. Randy Arozarena had two hits, including his 16th homer. Parades had two, including his 14th homer. But once Castillo reset himself, he dominated the Rays.
Tampa Bay has today off. They play at Tropicana Field on Tuesday at 4:10 p.m. against Philadelphia. Zach Eflin will start for the Rays against Aaron Nola.