TB 1, BOS 2: Archer gives up long ball, sets franchise record for losses

I blame Adam Sanford.

You just had to poke the bear, didn’t you? You had to incite the easily rage induced Big Poppi?

In the 1st inning, after a walk to Bogaerts, the former Minnesota Twins great David Ortiz took a full count dead center fastball to deep right for a 2-run HR. This would open and close the scoring for the Red Sox on the evening.

While Chris Archer left a way to fat pitch to a power hitter, and earned those 2 ERs, he settled in nicely. The 3rd would be the only other inning Boston would get two men on.

Chris Archer would finish the game with a line of: 6 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 2BB and 7Ks.

This would be another tough loss saddled on Archer. He’s earned his fair share of losses in the 2016 campaign, but he’s also gotten some rotten luck for a good selection of them as well. With the loss, Archer drops to a record of 8-19, with the 19 losses setting a team record for most losses in a season.

As for the Rays offense for the game, Mikie Mahtook put the Rays on the board for their only run with a 2nd inning HR on an absolute laser shot out to LF.

The Rays next best offensive opportunity would come with back to back hits, a double by Brad Miller and then a single from Mahtook. Unfortunately, Corey Dickerson would big swing into a doubleplay to end the inning. Dickerson did not hit the grounder very well and was almost able to beat the throw at 1st, but this was a big spot early for a power hitter to get a ball elevated for at least a sac-fly. The Rays have squandered too many opportunities on the season for simple things like productive outs.

Evan Longoria would try and mount last effort to try and tie this game, with a lead off double in the 9th. After a pop-out from Miller, and a K of Mahtook, the Sox would intentionally walk Dickerson to face newly promoted Juniel Querecuto. There would be no fairytale ending, and still not walkoff HR. Querecuto would reach out of the zone striking out swinging to end the game.

I’m pretty sure this game was enough of a gift to Ortiz, and the Rays hopefully kept the receipt on the other retirement tour present.