Rays 4, Mariners 7: Rays drop game and series

It was supposed to be a better day today.

After a rough go in last night’s ballgame, the Rays were supposed to bounce back, even the series, and then pull out the series win with another victory tomorrow afternoon. That’s what the Rays are supposed to do against teams like this right?

Well, ideally, yes. But not this time.

Things went awry almost immediately when opener Diego Castillo surrendered a two run homer to the red hot Kyle Seager in the top of the first. After a scoreless bottom half, the Rays tied the game in the 2nd off Mariners bulk guy Tommy Milone, and eventually pulled ahead with another two runs in the 4th with Austin Meadows’ second RBI of the night:

By this point, the Rays having a two run lead and Bulk pitcher Jalen Beeks looking to be in a groove, already thrown three scoreless innings, the Rays appeared to be cruising toward the aforementioned bounce back victory.

But the M’s would tie the game themselves in the top of the 5th against Beeks on a double by Austin Nola, and then take the lead in the 6th on a two run homer by catcher Tom Murphy. They’d add another in the 7th off freshly called Hoby Milner to extend the lead to three.

Milner stayed in to pitch a scoreless 8th, and Andrew Kittredge, while getting into some trouble, pitched a scoreless 9th. While a three run deficit with three outs remaining is a tall order, it’s at least doable.

But the Rays hitters weren’t up for it, going down in order.

Hopefully Rays all-star pitcher Charlie Morton can give the team the sole victory in the series in tomorrow afternoon’s contest. Following tomorrow’s game, the Rays welcome the the Baltimore Orioles for a four game set.