Results tagged ‘ Carlos Pena ’
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 9th, 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.
The Daily Turn:
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 9th 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
Hammel looks good, gives Rays split
Jason Hammel looked sharp propelling the Rays to a 7-3 win over the Twins giving them a split of the short two game series, and more importantly, stopping the Rays 3 game skid. The Rays showed better mental focus, and didn’t lie down when the Twins tried to battle back. Over all the team looked good, and showed signs of improvement in batting with runners in scoring position, something they historically struggle with.
The Daily Turn:
The 6, the 4 and the 3 all go to one topic today…Eric Hinske. Is he this year’s Carlos Pena? Last year Pena, a non roster invitee to Spring Training, burst onto the scene with big numbers making him the Players Choice 2007 American League Comeback Player of
the Year. Is Hinske next? Last night Eric blasted his 4rth homerun of the season, and second in as many games. He has put together some professional, gritty at bats and seems content to play anywhere they put him, first, third right field or DH. Hinske, like Pena last year, came into spring training fighting for a job. He posted a huge spring, giving Joe Maddon no choice but to make room for him on the big league club. Hinske has not disappointed. The former AL rookie of the year(2002 with the Blue Jays) is a great fit and veteran presence in the club house and can help the team in different areas, on and off the field. I like Hinske, and anointing him the next Carlos Pena
may be premature, but he has given Ray’s fans plenty to be excited about. I think Hinske batting further down in the order has pitchers taking his powerful swing for granted, which has him seeing better pitches. Let’s hope he can keep it up!
Rays take up the White Sox this weekend, and really need to take 2 out of three to bolster their confidence and record!
Quote of the Day:
“It was a fast ball. I was able to get good wood on it.”
-Eric Hinske on his 2nd inning HR
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