Sunday, 4 a.m.
Chris Devenski ? Really?
In the middle of a tie game, in the middle of the stretch run, in the middle of a pennant race, the Tampa Bay Rays put their fate in the hands of Devenski, a 32-year-old reliever just up from the minors.
It cost them, of course, in a 7-5, 11-inning loss to Cleveland.
The Rays had rallied from a 4-1 deficit, and they had retaken the lead at 6-5 going into Cleveland’s last at-bat. The Rays decided against keeping Robert Stephenson,
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who had an impressive 10th inning, or going to Jason Adam, who hadn’t pitched on Friday night, or Andrew Kittredge, who also didn’t pitch the night before.
After the game, it was reported that Adam is headed to the injured list with arm problems.
Of course, it should be said that closer Pete Fairbanks couldn’t close the door. He had a 5-4 lead, but he gave up three singles and a run in the ninth.
In the 10th, Andres Giminez threw out Luke Raley at the plate. The Rays did score a run in the 11th when Brandon Lowe’s sacrifice fly brought home Vidal Brujan.
The Rays started slowly, with starter Zack Littell giving up nine hits in 4 2./3 innings.
The Rays got back into the game in the fourth when Christian Bethancourt hit a three-run homer. Jose Siri gave the Rays a lead with his 25th homer.
The Rays’ first run came when Yandy Diaz homered.
Tampa Bay closes out its series against the Guardians today at 4:10 p.m. The Rays have not announced their starter. The Indians will go with Xzavion Curry.