Rays Take Matinee Game & Series From Baltimore In 5-4 Finale
by Tommy Rancel on Jul 21, 2010 5:41 PM EDT
66 comments
A little more than 12 hours after "epic fail," the Rays and Orioles picked up right where they left off. The Rays' offense spotted James Shields an early four-run lead - only to see him give it all back by the fourth inning. Evan Longoria got it started with a solo shot in the first inning to put the Rays on the board 1-0. The Rays would add two more in the second, and an additional run in the third, thanks to RBI from Reid Brignac, Ben Zobrist and Willy Aybar. Longoria would figure in the scoring again as his bases loaded walk in the sixth inning was the deciding factor in the game.
For those keeping score, Brignac, Zobrist, and Aybar were among the better run producers from this morning's post. On the other hand, Mr. GTMI, Jason Bartlett, humbled this writer by going 0-4 - stranding six runners in the process. Thanks, MVB.
Back to the game...
Shields was moving along through three innings before meeting his bend or break inning in the fourth. Unfortunately, he broke to the tune of three runs on a single, home run, double, and another single before getting the final two outs of the inning. He would give up the tying run in the next frame.
Overall, the Rays starter was largely average across the line giving up: eight hits, four runs, a walk, and a strikeout, over 6.1 innings. He threw 93 pitches including 55 fastballs, but only 13 change-ups. As Shields departed, the Rays held a 5-4 lead with a Baltimore runner on first and one out.
With the lefty duo of Nick Markakis and Luke "Please Take Me Tampa Bay" Scott due up, Randy Choate was called upon. Not wasting any time, Choate induced an inning-ending double play from Markakis - leaving the red-hot Scott on deck. From there Joaquin Benoit and Rafael Soriano (thankfully) worked two scoreless frames to preserve the victory.
While the Rays could have swept the series, taking two out of three on any enemies turf is always a good thing. I'm amazed at the black cloud that hangs over this market in regards to a team that is 20 games over .500 on July 21st while playing in the American League East. It was not pretty, and the process was meh at best, but any win is a good win. On to Cleveland...
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Did the minumun 2/3 while a sweep was there for the taking
Can’t keep talking about games we should have won, ie last night and Game 1 of the NYY series, let’s just win them
"Cant keep talking about games we should have won"
Agree with this 100%. We just need to focus on winning the next one and the boys did that today.
www.draysbay.com, www.bloombergsports.mlblogs.com, Twitter @trancel
by Tommy Rancel on Jul 21, 2010 6:20 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Most important thing about today's win
They bounced back from a tough loss & grinded out a tough W. Baseball generally has a way of things evening out, wouldn’t be surprised if we steal a win or so this homestand.
PIZZA?!?
by Transplanted on Jul 21, 2010 7:10 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm convinced that the Orioles are the new Devil Rays
and even we won games we weren’t supposed to win back in the day.
2 out of 3, no ground lost on the yanks, time to move on and hopefully dismantle the injuns.
In my day lots of messy tissues over her
by sternfan1 on Jun 18, 2010 6:30 AM PDT
I like Niemann, Price, Davis v Indians
I really feel they give us our best chance to win
When I first read this
I immediately thought “This is insane.”
Then, I thought about it for another second, and I actually have more faith in Davis putting together a decent start than Shields or Garza at this point. One of them needs to hurry up and regress, already.
I said last series against the Injuns
That they were a knife in the Rays’ sides lately, and now they’re hot. I have to agree with you and IntepidX that these 3 are the ones I want out there now…as long as Davis keeps pitching well.
2/3 agreed
But can see where you’re coming from.
by GomesSweetGomes on Jul 21, 2010 11:03 PM EDT up reply actions
I like the picture, btw
It’s like he’s about to make the sign of the cross, or call down bolts of lightning to strike down the infidels
In my day lots of messy tissues over her
by sternfan1 on Jun 18, 2010 6:30 AM PDT
Anyone know if it'd be possible to tell if Shields is tipping his pitches
That would partially explain all this troubles.
PIZZA?!?
He sure serves it up like a waiter ahahahah
Follow Me on Twitter @FreeZorilla
by FreeZorilla on Jul 21, 2010 8:03 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Several consecutive pitches of the same speed to similar locations
lead to HR like the one Wiggy hit. 4 or 5 straight IIRC. Anderson made a goo point in the game about batters hitting .515 off Shilelds when they swing at the first pitch and put it in play.
Anderson made a good point in the game about batters hitting .515 off Shilelds when they swing at the first pitch and put it in play.
That number isn’t particularly suprising. The AL average on the first pitch is .338. Shields’ is .493. SSS is the big reason (along with a huge amount of first pitch HRs). The HRs actually worry me more because this says nothing about swings and misses. It might be interesting (cough… RZ… cough) to see what Shields is doing on the first pitch. Have other teams figured out he likes to get ahead and are sitting dead red fastball?
64% first pitch fastball. Only 7% change-ups.
www.draysbay.com, www.bloombergsports.mlblogs.com, Twitter @trancel
by Tommy Rancel on Jul 22, 2010 9:11 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
that's exactly what I was thinking (though this has been mentioned before)
Shields could greatly improve his success if he would just throw more first pitch changeups, especially to left handed batters. We’ve seen in multiple starts this season that the book is out on him, swing first pitch because you’ll get that juicy Shields fastball right over the plate. While I like the guy and think he’s a good pitcher, we really need to see more of that early-season Shields, the one that was striking out more than a batter an inning.
Longo! (Ah-a-ah!) Fighter of the Upton! (Ah-a-ah!) Champion of the Rays! He's the master of batting and defense for everyone!
More #'s from first pitch
75 AB ended on first pitch (excludes HBP, Sac, SF)
8 were HRs
14% of PA against ended on first pitch
Lg Avg 11.1% of PA end on first pitch
Follow Me on Twitter @FreeZorilla
by FreeZorilla on Jul 22, 2010 10:08 AM EDT up reply actions
I thought they had to saw his arm off? Crazy if he's playing again
And if one has a problem using stats to prove a point, then use your eyes.
2010 Trade Deadline Primer --> http://dockoftherays.com/2010/07/03/2010-trade-deadline-primer/
by Sandy Kazmir on Jul 21, 2010 8:50 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Part of the reason for the black cloud in this market
is that the announcers we have on the radio are as clueless as the sports radio guys(not you TD) and the average fan hears the nonsense and then repeats it. I listened to just a few innings today on the radio and must have heard at least three references to how playoff teams don’t lose to bottom dwellers and the Rays are in trouble and how the Yanks never do, etc… I just looked it up and the Rays record against the the last place teams in the AL; Balt, Clev and Sea this year is 17-4. The Yanks are 17-6, the Rangers are 14-8 and Boston is just 8-8. Talk about overreacting to one bad game. I realize these guys are working these games and probably don’t get a chance to look up the numbers, but why not just keep your mouth closed and not spew crap if you don’t know the facts.
Yeah most people don't realize that every single game is worth the same at the end of the year.
But people take losses to teams with bad records more harshly because good teams are “supposed” to win games against bad teams.
Cuz two out of thre ain't bad
And if one has a problem using stats to prove a point, then use your eyes.
2010 Trade Deadline Primer --> http://dockoftherays.com/2010/07/03/2010-trade-deadline-primer/
by Sandy Kazmir on Jul 21, 2010 8:51 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
It's impossible to please this market
They complain about everything, know nothing & show little support
PIZZA?!?
by Transplanted on Jul 21, 2010 8:53 PM EDT up reply actions
For sure. where in a MLB baseball market does the ESPN radio affillate get
off by broadcasting your division rivals game opposite your home team and then 2 hours switch to MMA for 1 hour during the drive time?
Oh yeah. in between they have that lunatic Mark Beanhean spout out his 2nd grade knowledge of baseball.
What a joke 1040 is.
That guy is the biggest joke on radio
Tommy tuned me into that trainwreck of a show one day and now I have to listen to it to get my spoon full of stupid every day. His listeners are even worse. It kills me that an idiot like that has a show and I can only get on them as guests.
Speaking of that – tune into the XM/Sirius Fantasy Channel tomorrow night at 9:30 :)
by Jason Collette on Jul 21, 2010 10:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Speaking of DRB users on nat'l media, as my boy Mike Pesca said Jonah killed it on Fantasy Focus the other day, even shouted out Raheem Jenkins Anderson
Jonah: Do “Hang Up and Listen”
The caller said the boy, after removing the bulb from its socket, left the building and threw the bulb on the ground. When the bulb broke, the caller said the boy screamed "I am the cat and I am here to steal."
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jul 21, 2010 11:21 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, that guy has done the unthinkable
and made me tune into the big dog show regularly. I never thought that could happen, but he’s done it. I give his show a try for a few minutes every couple of days and usually can’t stand more than a couple of minutes of his egotistical stupidity before I go back to Duemig and that usually leads me to getting out my IPOD. How do we not have anybody worth a damn for the afternoon drive time in this town? It’s like these two guys try to see who can say the most inflammatory and moronic statement possible.
Yeah why do you guys even listen to sports radio?
Is it cause it gives you something to complain about?
I listen because I am an eternal optimist
I have hope that one day most fans will get “it” and realize the errors of their ways. I hope that some of the local radio guys who claim to visit this site would understand how stupid it is then to judge a player by BA, RBI and W. They can become revolutionary and try to teach their listeners that there are better stats for judging the players on the Rays, instead of being lazy and screaming bout ahow awful so and so is because they aren’t hitting .300. I know these are crazy thoughts, but hopefully one day.
Don't bank on it. I just had 620 on
and they were saying the latest rumor had us shipping out Barty, GARZA, Davis, Pena & Prospects. The return…wait for it…JA Happ, Brett Myers, RAUL IBANEZ and Jayson Werth.
Ron, Ian & Justin’s thoughts: If Happ & Myers are in the deal, they’re all for it.
My AM radio consumption was all of about 10 minutes today.
by PriceMultiCyYoungs on Jul 22, 2010 9:15 AM EDT up reply actions
lol
3 team deal? Myers is an Astro now.
I’d become a Nats fan if we made that deal. Good thing we don’t have to worry about it.
yeah, 3 team deal.
We probably have at least two guys in the minors (Helly & McGee) that I’d rather have in our rotation RIGHT NOW before Happ & Myers.
by PriceMultiCyYoungs on Jul 22, 2010 9:25 AM EDT up reply actions
I caught that, but it wasn't Raul Ibanez, it was Danys Byez.
So I should just change my sig to
I hate everyone of color, along with invalids, the old, and the retarded?
by firemangreg on Jul 21, 2010 2:59 PM EDT up reply actions
I can't even make sense on how that trade could possibly help the Phillies in any way whatsoever.
So I should just change my sig to
I hate everyone of color, along with invalids, the old, and the retarded?
by firemangreg on Jul 21, 2010 2:59 PM EDT up reply actions
They can finally get rid of that team cancer, Brett Myers.
And if one has a problem using stats to prove a point, then use your eyes.
2010 Trade Deadline Primer --> http://dockoftherays.com/2010/07/03/2010-trade-deadline-primer/
by Sandy Kazmir on Jul 22, 2010 9:34 AM EDT up reply actions
As long as he's beating his wife away from the clubhouse
I fail to see how he’s a cancer
by PriceMultiCyYoungs on Jul 22, 2010 9:35 AM EDT up reply actions
what makes them sorry is that
they are such wimps when speaking with Joe on the pre or post game,
Man up and ask the questions about the key points of the previous or ask Joe something like -
“if you really want a “set” everyday lineup how come you cannot stick to one for 2 games in a row?
They are team employees
Not independent journalists. You can’t expect critical, probing questions from Dave and Andy.
by Not Whole View Gang survivor on Jul 22, 2010 9:48 AM EDT up reply actions
yes I agree and that sucks.
once in a while ask a decent question. I like Dave W in the booth during the games for he will question a players decision or performance. But, when “speaking to the Skipper” he is a wimp just like Andy Freed.
Dunno, can't be much
He may more likely be a waiver trade than the regular 7/31 one.
He’s irrelevant until Werth is decided though.
PIZZA?!?
by Transplanted on Jul 21, 2010 10:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Shields kept it close and the bullpen closed it down
The offense did what they needed to. There is one reason for this well fought victory…
I’ll give you guys the definition as a hint: “firmness of character; indomitable spirit”
"[good teams find ways to win close games]"
In my day lots of messy tissues over her
by sternfan1 on Jun 18, 2010 6:30 AM PDT
Just a technical point
We’re 10 games over .500, not 20.
Bad Left Hook - The SB Nation boxing blog
"Baseball is played on the field, not on a calculator."
.500 is 47-47
10 games over. If there was a team at .500, we’d be 10 games ahead of them in the standings. Each win less also means one loss more.
Bad Left Hook - The SB Nation boxing blog
"Baseball is played on the field, not on a calculator."
For instance
Check the Blue Jays. They’re 48-47. We’re 9.5 in front of them.
Bad Left Hook - The SB Nation boxing blog
"Baseball is played on the field, not on a calculator."
So if what you say is true, if a team is 20-30 which by your
standards is 5 games under 500. Now if they won 5 straight, they’d be back to 500?
I don’t think so
this is correct.
“games over .500” refers to the number of games the team would lose to be a .500 team. It’s a reference to the team itself, not comparing it to other teams in the league. It’s been talked about before on this board.
Longo! (Ah-a-ah!) Fighter of the Upton! (Ah-a-ah!) Champion of the Rays! He's the master of batting and defense for everyone!
But that just isn't how it is done
You are obviously correct we are 10 games over a .500 team, but the convention is to say we are 20 games over .500.
Think of it more that we would have to lose 20 games in a row to get back to .500.
"Think of it more that we would have to lose 20 games in a row to get back to .500."
I think that’s how everyone looks at it.
If John Jaso somehow strikes out, it means you didn’t do your job right as an umpire.
by raysrule44 on Jul 9, 2010 8:37 PM CDT
Technical point: I agree
Your looking at it the wrong way. We as a team are 20 games over .500 for our record
"Doesn't Manny Ramirez look like the monster from Predator??" - Will Farrell as Harry Carey
by Gone Phishing on Jul 22, 2010 12:27 AM EDT up reply actions
This is OT but...
for anyone that didn’t read daveh’s Wednesday Afternoon Detective post in the OTTOTD I strongly suggest checking it out.
by PriceMultiCyYoungs on Jul 22, 2010 9:34 AM EDT reply actions
So sad that it had to end though
In my day lots of messy tissues over her
by sternfan1 on Jun 18, 2010 6:30 AM PDT
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