Ray’s bounce back for win.

 Anytime you get down 3-0 to Jay’s ace Roy Halladay things look bleak. Anyone will tell you it’s not easy to score against him, let alone post 4 runs in one inning…but don’t tell the Ray’s that. That was the case tonight in Orlando in the 2^nd game of the three game series, as the Ray’s found themselves down 3-0 in the 6^th inning. Halladay looked sharp through 5, but had trouble with the pesky Ray’s in the 6^th giving up 4 runs including an Evan Longoria tying single and an Erik Hinske go ahead single. Jason Hammel looked decent, only making two mistakes, both to Matt Stairs who hit 2 HR’s. The Ray’s once again strung together some base hits to score when it mattered most against one of the best pitchers in the league. Crawford led off the 8^th with a triple and scored on BJ Upton’s sac fly to center making it 5-3, and that’s how it ended, Troy Percival closing it out for his 3^rd save of the season. The Ray’s are now 5-0 in Orlando at the Disney Complex…and 5-0 at home in outdoor stadiums…hmmm…if only we had an outdoor stadium in St. Pete…..

The Daily Turn:

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Evan Longoria’s game tying single in the 6^th was impressive. Halladay had been pitching him
hard inside all night, and the young star made the adjustment when it mattered the most taking an inside fastball the other way for a base hit. Longoria was also impressive with the glove, making two tough plays look routine at third base. Although only having just over one week of major league experience, Longoria has handled himself well and is looking like a potential all-star third baseman.

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Carl Crawford went 2-4 with a triple and an RBI single, the triple being his 75^th of his career. He also has a 10 game hitting streak going, and is .333 with 8 RBI’s during that stretch. The Ray’s designated Dan Johnson for assignment to make room for newly acquired Gabe Gross. Johnson suited for the Ray’s last night but did not get into a game.

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Troy Percival came on for the second game in a row and although effective, his fastball had less pop than the night before. Troy appeared to use his head more than his arm as he retired the Jay’s 1-2-3 in the 9^th inning on Wednesday, relying on his curve and change to keep hitters off balance. It will be interesting to see if he is available should the Ray’s need him in tomorrow night’s game, and, if so, how his arm holds up.

Quote of the Day:

“Obviously, it’s a little bit of an awkward situation.”

                 - Ray’s executive VP Andrew Friedman on the acquiring, signing ans releasing of Dan Johnson…all in the matter of 72 hours.