The Rays Tank: K's for days

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>.<a href="https://twitter.com/ChrisArcher42">@ChrisArcher42</a> has lasted 6-plus innings in 5 straight starts and 13 of his last 15. Turns in another good one tonight. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Quality?src=hash">#Quality</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RaysUp?src=hash">#RaysUp</a></p>&mdash; Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) <a href="https://twitter.com/RaysBaseball/statuses/499752868904071168">August 14, 2014</a></blockquote><script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Rays continue to push their AL record of consecutive road games allowing 3 runs or less, now 17 straight. MLB mark is 21.</p>&mdash; Todd Kalas (@TampaBayTK) <a href="https://twitter.com/TampaBayTK/statuses/499773864428060672">August 14, 2014</a></blockquote><script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

As Ian noted yesterday, the Rays have struck out 23.5% of the batters they've faced this season, which is the highest rate in the American League since 1973.

Apparently Chris Archer wanted to keep that percentage up, as he fanned 12, a career high, and struck out six batters in a row at one point during last night's game. Per Erik's postgame recap, he generated eighteen swinging strikes against the Rangers, who rank in the bottom third in baseball in swing percentage. Along with 10 runs of support, Archer only ended up allowing one run and got his eighth win of the season.

Oh and ICYMI, the the Rangers had J.P. Arencibia close the game...he's not a pitcher:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Those were not knuckle balls just super slow gravity pitches... At 73 mph they have to drop.. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ThatWasFun?src=hash">#ThatWasFun</a></p>&mdash; jp arencibia (@jparencibia9) <a href="https://twitter.com/jparencibia9/statuses/499767640265867265">August 14, 2014</a></blockquote><script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Links:

- In sad news, a former Tampa-based Rays fan was killed outside the ballpark in Arlington following Tuesday night's game. Our condolences to the family of Jay Wolf.

- Ah, the second Wild Card, a joyous occurance of hope, and also, the bane of some baseball fans playoff dreams. Grant Brisbee has taken the time to weigh the pros and cons of this affair so that you don't have to. Take this for granted, he won't be there for your next major life decision.

- This week seems to be full of players-you-don't-want-injured-even-if-you're-not-a-fan-of-their-team news (not that you ever want to see any player injured), as Yu Darvish hit the DL with right elbow inflammation yesterday.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Free headline: NOT YU TOO</p>&mdash; Caitlin Kelly (@atotalmonet) <a href="https://twitter.com/atotalmonet/statuses/499701442878644224">August 13, 2014</a></blockquote><script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

- Twin's top prospect Byron Buxton somehow managed to escape with just a concussion after a brutal collision in his first game in Double-A last night. Hope the kid's OK.

- Lee Sung-woo. The Royals. Your feel good story of the day. Week, maybe, considering the state of the world.

- Robin Williams, and the baseball movie he never made.

- Dancing Bahamian umpire to Pony. You're welcome, and Happy Thursday:

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