Friday, 4 a.m.
Zack Littell should sue for non-support.
The Rays wasted a terrific start from Littell, a starter who has struggled as of late. Tampa Bay lost 1-0 to Seattle in a game in which Seattle ace Luis Castillo was just a tick better. Littell went eight innings, easily the most of his career, and allowed just five hits. Castillo went six and allowed just four hits.
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The difference came in the second inning, when Eugenio Suarez doubled and scored on a hit by Mike Ford.
Littell, converted from the bullpen earlier this season, was on top of the Mariners afterward. His eight innings were two more than he has thrown in any other start. Thursday, however, one run was enough.
It was the fifth time this season the Rays have played a 1-0 game. They’ve lost their last three, however.
The Rays got only four hits. They also got five walks, a hit batter and an error, however. But they left nine men on base, and they were 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position. The Rays also had two baserunners thrown out at second attempting to steal.
Tampa Bay and Seattle play in the second game of their four-game series tonight at 6:40 p.m. at Tropicana Field. Taj Bradley will pitch for the Rays against George Kirby.