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The innings seemed to drag on for-ev-er during the Rays 10-6 win over the Marlins yesterday, much due to the two rookie starters being hit around in the early innings of the game.
Jose Fernandez only lasted three-and-a-third, giving up five hits, seven runs, and three walks to the Rays; while Jake Odorizzi's line wasn't much more impressive, leaving without an out in the fifth inning and allowing eight hits, three runs and one walk during his appearance. He left three runners on base, and all three scored during Josh Lueke's relief; giving Odorizzi six earned runs on the day.
Steve broke down the disappointing starts from both Jose Fernandez and Jake Odorizzi in the post game recap.
This was Odorizzi's second start for David Price, and though Price is eligible to return from the disabled list on May 31st, there is no current timetable for his return to the rotation.
Sans Lueke, the bullpen had a pleasant outing for the second day in a row, with five scoreless innings in relief of Odorizzi. It seems as if Maddon can only rely on Joel Peralta consistently, with some faith in Jake McGee his past few outings. Yesterday McGee threw two innings, his longest outing since going two-and-a-third on May 3rd, 2012. He only allowed one hit and struck out two, and was credited with the win.
Kelly Johnson was the star of the game offensively, hitting a pair of three-run home runs, and becoming the first Rays player in club history to hit two or more three-run homers in the same game. Since April 27th, Johnson has five three-hit games, and is hitting .365 with a .396 OBP, seven home runs and 26 RBI. With his stellar day yesterday, he's now leading the team in home runs with 10 and RBI with 32. Best addition to the team this year?
Tonight the Rays wrap up this two-game set against the Marlins at 7:10pm EST, with Jeremy Hellickson facing Kevin Slowey. They then head to Miami to continue the Citrus series, then to Cleveland and Detroit for a nine day road trip with an off day between the Indians and Tigers series.
Fun fact of the day:
This season, the Rays offense has scored eight-plus runs in seven of their 26 home games. Last season, they scored eight-plus runs in only seven of their 81 home games.
Wil Myers watch:
It's almost June, so why not? Over his past five games he's 9-for-23 with three doubles, three home runs, five runs, 11 RBI, one stolen base, and only four strikeouts.
Links:
- Matt Garza had some choice words for Johnny Cueto. Dusty Baker's take? Let them fight. Alley behind Wrigley, next Cubs/Reds series, see you there.
- We're 50 games into the season. Jay Jaffe took a look at teams in the wild-card era, and their ability to surpass slow starts and make the postseason; with special attention to the Dodgers, Angels and Blue Jays. He also noted teams with unexpected success thus far, such as the Pirates and Red Sox, and their ability to sustain.
- Peter Gammons explained the importance of the lead shoulder in hitting, and the effect injuries can have on hitters mechanics, especially with Matt Kemp, Jacoby Ellsbury and Adrian Gonzalez.