Tampa Bay Rays News and Links: Archer Solid but Rays Fall to Boston

Welp, even though it's just spring training, losing to the Red Sox always stings more than just simply losing. Pergaps, fortunately, this wasn't covered by any broadcast as the Rays lost, 7-2 with the big blows coming from a pair of three run innings coming in the sixth and seventh.

In the sixth, Jhan Marinez suffered some tough luck as he allowed all three runs, two of which scored on infield singles. However, the wheels fell off the following inning as Adam Reifer struggled to get anyone out and eventually gave up three runs of his own. The Rays plated two runs earlier in the game, with James Loney being present for both. In the fifth, he doubled off of Craig Kimbrel and came home after Tim Beckham reached on a throwing error. Then in the sixth, James Loney doubled home Logan Morrison, who had two hits of his own as well.

Chris Archer pitched two scoreless innings and built some confidence in his change-up, stating it had the same amount of depth as his wipeout slider. Jake Faria also made his spring debut and pitched a clean 1-2-3 in the eighth inning picking up a strike out.

Kevin Cash following the game

• Talks about Chris Archer's change-up
• Discusses tough breaks the Rays hitters had
• Gives an update on Richie Shaffer, who left the game after being hit

Links!

- Neil Solondz continued his 'Getting to Know' series, with a player who is quite familiar to most of the Rays in the clubhouse, Jaff Decker

- Shannon Forde, the Mets senior director of media relations, passed away last night at the age of 44 due to cancer. Joel Sherman wrote this heart-wrenching goodbye.

- The Rays have an organizational rule, no facial hair unless you're in the majors. Ryan Brett did not pack a razor, in confidence that he will not need one as he'll make the opening day roster.

- Last September, Rays fans enjoyed a resurgence in JP Arencibia's career. This resurgence was due to Arencibia overcoming anxiety and beginning to enjoy the game, once more.

- HankGate is finally over as the Brewers had Hank's vet reveal he was the true dog thanks to his microchip and the matter has finally been resolved...or has it?

- I would like to hate the Cubs, but the team has Ben Zobrist and Munenori Kawasaki making that virtually impossible. Especially when Kawasaki does stuff like singing Aerosmith's "I Don't Wanna Miss A Thing" to his teammates.