Tuesday, 3 a.m.
If there is a formula to success, this isn’t it.
For the third time in five games, the Rays were humbled on Sunday night, losing a 9-3 decision to the World Champion Texas Rangers.
Once again, the Rays had trouble throwing the baseball and hitting it. In their three losses this year, the Rays have given up 26 runs.
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Once again, control was a problem. Starter Ryan Pepiot gave up six earned runs in 5 2/3 innings. He gave up four hits -- including a three-run homer -- and walked four.
The Rays managed just five hits, most of them late. They scored on a two-run homer by Jose Siri and a solo shot by Richie Palacios.
The Rays were 0-4 with runners in scoring position.
Tampa Bay will play Texas again tonight (6:50 p.m.) at Tropicana Field. Zach Eflin will start for the Rays against Andrew Heaney.