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Tampa Bay Rays Executive Vice President Andrew Friedman decide to not make a move before Tuesday afternoon's trade deadline, telling the media and his team that he believes in the guys that are here. His team responded to the vote of confidence by producing absolutely nothing against Wade Miley and the Arizona Diamondbacks, getting blanked 7-0 in an uninspired and downright pathetic offensive effort.
Despite recording just three hits on the night, the Rays had their chances but left nine men on base while going 0-6 with runners in scoring position. The worst of which came in the seventh inning when two walks and an error loaded the bases for Desmond Jennings with one out. At the time, the Rays trailed 5-0 and a big hit could get the Rays back in the ballgame but Jennings struck out swinging and then Evan Longoria struck out looking to end the threat. It was the frustrating tip of a difficult night for the Rays faithful that filled Tropicana Field on $2 kids night and there were some boo's to be heard for the face of the franchise as he walked back to the dugout.
The Diamondbacks scored early and often, plating two runs in the first inning thanks to an egregiously blown call at first base that allowed the inning to continue unnecessarily. You can stop crying now, Boston fans. It happens to everyone. However, Rays right-hander Jeremy Hellickson never settled down and allowed two more runs in the third inning on an Endy Chavez home run, his second in the series. Hellickson lasted just 4.1 innings, surrendering seven hits and four runs while striking out just three and walking two. Hellickson had won his previous six starts.
The Rays will have an off-day tomorrow to rejuvenate and despite the loss, finish the month of July with their best record ever at 21-5. That is also the third best July in the history of baseball. We could sit here and over analyze this game all we want but it is really just a blip on the radar of a team that has been smoking hot for 30+ days.