Jays 2, Rays 1: Rays drop rubber game

Alex Cobb pitched like vintage Alex Cobb today. Controlled, steady and consistent, Cobb went 8 full frames on the day, giving up just 4 hits, 2 walks and a pair of runs.

Tampa Bay’s sole run would be scored in the bottom of the third, as Big Swingin’ Corey Dickerson sent Kevin Kiermaier home from second base with a single to right center field. 1-0 Rays.

Things went south in the sixth, as Kevin Pillar reached second on a first-pitch double that deflected off the glove of a diving Evan Longoria. With two outs, Russell Martin sent Pillar home with a line-drive single to left field that Colby Rasmus deflected off of his body like a goalie. Thata tied the game 1-1.

Cobb was still cruising in the eighth, but one mistake pitch was absolutely punished by Darwin Barney, who lifted it well into the left field seats for a solo homer, his first of the season, and the deciding shot in this one. Barney’s blast put the Jays up 2-1. A lead that the team from America’s Hat would not relinquish.

This one was a snoozer, you guys, Cobb’s pitching prowess aside. There’s no kinder way to put it.

A familiar face will take the mound tomorrow night, as Nate Karns and his struggling Kansas City Royals will face Blake Snell at Tropicana Field. The Rays will once again be fighting their way back to a .500 record on the still-young season. I, personally, would prefer they put some distance between themselves and that mark.