Rays Waste Garza's Gem

Offense lies dormant until the 9th.

Matt Garza looked as good as he ever has, pitching just over 6 innings giving up only 1 run. Garza deserved better than his first loss of the season, but the Rays could not get their bats going until the 9^th, and their 2 runs were not enough to undo what the bullpen let the Jays build. The Tampa Bay bullpen ensured the Jays win by giving up 5 addition runs after the stellar Garza departed. The Rays really needed to take advantage of the solid start by Garza, but will have to try and win the series tomorrow with the unpredictable Edwin Jackson on the hill.

 6

The Rays faced Shaun Marcum, and while he had impressive command all night, his fast ball topped out at 88 mph and was left over the plate several times, the Rays unable to take advantage. Marcum pitched a complete game, only faltering in the 9^th allowing a string of hits and 2 runs.

 4

Carlos Pena continues to struggle, going 0-4 with three strike outs. In his last 12 at bats, Pena has struck out 10 times. With the offense needing every bit of boost it can get, I don't understand why Joe Maddon doesn't sit Pena out for a game or two. Clearly things are not right with him at the dish right now, as he has been the goat rather than the hero in almost every at bat.  Evan Longoria is another one who has looked over matched at the dish. He was 0-3 with 2 strikeouts tonight, and seems to have cooled off. It is hard to put his glove on the bench, but with Willy Aybar making rehab starts and returning soon, it will be interesting to see what happens if Evan is still having trouble adjusting to major league pitching.

3

After the rubber match tomorrow night, things do not get much easier for the Rays. They come home to face the Angels and the Yankees, and need to come in riding some serious momentum. Wasting a good start by Garza is not the way to start the said momentum. Jackson has been sporadic this season, and he will really need to dial in to get the Rays the win and the series against the Jays so they can come home riding high to face to big teams.

Quote of the Day:

"He expanded the strike zone....he is out of his game plan."

Joe Maddon on the slumping Carlos Pena