Monday, 4 a.m.
The Tampa Bay Rays, slumping on defense and at the plate, are beginning to look a little frazzled.
The Rays lost again Sunday, 5-4 to San Diego, to conclude their California swoon, The Rays lost their last two games on their trip to California, and their first two, to finish 3-4 on the swing.
On the way, there were lapses in the defense, and with the power game, by the Rays. They struggled to get the big hit or to make the efficient defensive play. They hit just four home runs in the seven games.
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The Rays lost Sunday when Manny Margot was thrown out at home plate in the top of the eighth inning by Fernando Tatis, Jr. to stop a comeback attempt.
It was a sleek defensive play, contrasting with the Rays who fell apart in a three-run third inning. On one forgettable play, Juan Soto dribbled the ball in the turf. Instead of going to first base for the out, catcher Christian Bethancourt threw to second. Shortstop Wander Franco couldn't handle the throw, then threw wildly home as Tatis scored and the Padres took the lead.
"We should probably have gone to first base and secured the out," Rays' manager Kevin Cash said.
The Rays had 12 hits in the game, but all of them were singles. The Rays left nine runners on base.
Starter Yonny Chirinos gave up three earned funs in four and two-thirds innings.
It was a dry West Coast trip for a lot of Rays. Yandy Diaz was just three of 24. Franco was six of 28 and Josh Lowe as three of 21.
On Sunday, Arozarena had three hits. Lowe and Bethancourt each had two.
The Rays are off today, but return to play at Tropicana Field on Tuesday night at 6:40 p.m. against Baltimore. Tyler Glasnow will start for the Rays against Kyle Bradish.