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Last night was fun, right? I mean, who would have expected Erasmo Ramirez to take a no-hitter into the eighth inning against one of the top teams in baseball. Everything was pointing to him making history, with the outstanding defense behind him and luck seemed to be on his side. Then, the Rays finally broke through after 21 scoreless innings, and scratched a run across in the bottom of the eighth. Unfortunately, Ramirez had already lost the no-no and would be removed from the game in favor of Alex Colome, who'd record the final out of the inning.
One would think Colome would be used for the ninth after just throwing five pitches, but nope, Kevin Cash turned to volatile closer, Brad Boxberger who was obviously not sharp. After he somehow managed two outs (big thanks to Richie Shaffer), the Yankees would strike for four runs and the eventual victory.
These game are essentially meaningless at this point and it's a testing ground for next year. So, I'm looking at like a fall-spring training thing. Might make the final weeks of the season more bearable.
TODAY'S STARTING PITCHERS:
| PITCHER | W | L | ERA | FIP | K% | BB% | AVG | HR | GS/G | IP |
| Jake Odorizzi | 7 | 8 | 3.21 | 3.31 | 22.0% | 6.0% | .228 | 13 | 24/24 | 145.2 |
| Adam Warren | 6 | 6 | 3.29 | 3.79 | 18.8% | 7.3% | .232 | 10 | 14/39 | 115 |
Odorizzi had his best start (results wise) in almost a month his last time out, as he went six scoreless innings against the Tigers, only allowing six hits while he struck out six and walked one. The start before that, he was excellent except for a few mistake pitches that were hit a long way by these very same Yankees.
Scouting Report:
When Warren takes the mound tonight, he'll be making his first start since June 25th, as he was moved to the bullpen following that game. Warren has thrived in the bullpen for New York, with a significantly lower ERA and FIP. He's actually on a nice little stretch right now where he's only given up four runs over his last 15 outings. The last time he pitched was on the ninth against the Orioles where he came close to going three innings of relief and he gave up a run, on two hits while walked two and struck out one.
It'll be interesting to see how long he stays in the game considering the most he's pitched since being converted into a reliever was three innings back on August 5th.
His arsenal:
| PITCH | VELOCITY | FREQUENCY | vs LHB | vs RHB |
| Fastball | Low 90's |
37% vs LHB *** 34% vs RHB |
Tries to stay on the corners | Tries to stay on the corners |
| Sinker | Low 90's |
08% vs LHB *** 11% vs RHB |
Away from the zone, off the plate | Inside, off the plate |
| Slider | High 80's |
24% vs LHB *** 33% vs RHB |
Anywhere below the zone | Low and away from the zone |
| Change | Mid 80's |
18% vs LHB *** 13% vs RHB |
Low and away from the zone | Anywhere below the zone |
| Curve | Low 80's |
12% vs LHB *** 08% vs RHB |
Anywhere below the zone | Low and away from the zone |
His splits:
| TBF | AVG | OBP | SLG | HR | K% | BB% | |
| vs LHB | 189 | .230 | .291 | .329 | 2 | 15.3% | 7.4% |
| vs RHB | 278 | .233 | .304 | .376 | 8 | 21.2% | 7.2% |
| Home | 212 | .210 | .275 | .316 | 4 | 21.2% | 6.1% |
| Away | 255 | .250 | .319 | .391 | 6 | 16.9% | 8.2% |
September 15th in Rays History:
- They are 8-8 all-time on this date
- Three former Devil Rays were born on this date, as Damian Rolls (1977), Herbert Perry (1969), and Paul Abbott (1967) celebrate their birthdays today.
- 2006 - The Devil Rays took a 3-1 lead into the bottom of the ninth against the Toronto Blue Jays and Joe Maddon turned to Seth McClung to close the game out. Unfortunately, he couldn't as he gave up a leadoff double, followed by a walk then added a wild pitch to move the runners over. Frank Catalanotto singled home one runner, then the next hitter scored on a sac-fly to tie the game. The next inning, the Devil Rays were able to scratch a run across after Tomas Perez struck out, but was able to reach first thanks to a wild pitch. He moved to third on a Delmon Young single, then Perez scored on a wild pitch. Unfortunately, Brian Meadows is unsuccessful in saving the game as he allows a leadoff single in the bottom half, and then a walkoff homer to Aaron Hill and the game was over, Toronto's victorious, 5-4.
Baldelli's Diving Catch [] Baldelli's Leaping Catch [] Cantu's Diving Stop [] Seo Snags Comebacker [] Hill's Walkoff HR
- 2010 - The Derek Jeter game. This game would add to Dan Johnson's lore as he became the hero, again. The Rays were trailing 1-0 in the fifth when DaJo lifted a two run homer to give them the lead. Two innings later, Chad Qualls 'hits' Derek Jeter with a pitch. Although replays clearly showed the ball hitting the knob of the bat, but Jeter displayed his acting skills and pretended as if the ball hit him. So, of course, the next batter hit a two run homer that gave New York the lead again. But, Dan Johnson came back up in the bottom half and blasted another two run homer much to the chagrin of Rays fans. The Rays would win, 4-3 and secured a half game lead in the division.
- 2014 - An excellent pitched game between the Rays and Yankees took place as Alex Colome and Chris Capuano dueled for six-seven innings. Then the Rays bullpen strung together close to three hitless innings and Adam Warren did the same for New York. Entering the bottom of the ninth, the game was still scoreless, then the Rays would load the bases with two outs against Shawn Kelley. Ben Zobrist would then be the hero as he laced a single into right for the walkoff victory.