Rays lose to Astros with just four hits

by Gary Shelton on October 2, 2022

in general

Sunday, 4 a.m.

Is this any way to go into the American League playoffs?

The Tampa Bay Rays, one night after clinching the post-season, took the night off offensivenly in a 2-1 loss to Houston. With the defeat, the Rays are three games behind Toronto and one-and-a-half behind Seattle.


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The Rays managed just four hits against Houston, two of them by David Peralta.

But even more worrisome for the Rays is the continuing slump of pitcher Sean McClanahan, who lost his third straight decision. In his last 10 starts, McClanahan is 2-5 with three no-decisions. Considering that McClanahan is likely to start the playoffs for the Rays, it's a concern.

Against Houston's Cristian Javier, the Rays had just two hits in seven innings and struck out seven times. They struck out a total of 12 times and were one-for-eight with runners in scoring position.

The Rays are 2-5 in their last seven games games and 4-8 in their last 12 games, totaling 6 runs in the eight losses.

Tampa Bay managed to score only in the ninth inning on a single by pinch-hitter Yandy Diaz.

The teams play again today at Minute Maid Park at 2:10 p.m. Corey Kluber will start for the Rays against Luis Garcia.

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