Tampa Bay Rays News and Links: HR Strikes Phantom Catwalk

The Tampa Bay Rays losing streak stretched to four games last night as they couldn’t overcome the Chicago White Sox, despite plenty of opportunities throughout a game, which started off in one of the most bizarre ways any of us have ever seen.

A well struck line drive with a lot of spin on it, fooled Kevin Kiermaier and the ball landed a good 30 feet away from him in dead center field. The batter, Yolmer Sanchez, coasted into third with a triple but then the third base umpire signaled HR for some reason, stating the ball hit a catwalk...it didn’t, but replay officials still kept it a HR.

Ultimately the Rays lost, 4-2. Chris Archer pitched a great game, just made a mistake that got crushed in his final inning. The offense left 22 men on base and were 1-7 with runners in scoring position.

• Chris Archer and the Rays sounded off on the umpires and the Trop following the game
• For his part, Chris Archer reached a Rays milestone as he recorded his 23rd double-digit strikeout performance, tying him with David Price for the most in franchise history
• Five Biscuits were named to the Southern League All-Star Squad, while a trio of Rays rehabbed with Port Charlotte
• Jake Faria will make his MLB debut tonight as he’ll start against the White Sox. Michael Martinez has been DFA’d to clear a roster spot.
• Derek Norris is being investigated by the MLB after his ex-fiance posted that she was physically and emotionally abused
• The Seattle Mariners have signed an extension with Jean Segura
• Scooter Gennett made history last night as he homered four times...baseball is a weird game

This Date in Rays History