Angels-Rays: Another Tough Loss for Tampa

 

Shields did not receive a lot of run support. (AP)

Another tough loss for Tampa tonight. The Rays can not seem to have a huge offensive game whenever James Shields is on the mound. Tonight’s loss puts the Rays two games under .500.

What Went Right

The “Ben Zobrist to the All-Star game bandwagon” has been formed and we are hopping on it. Zorilla went 2-4 with a homerun and two RBI. He seems to be replacing Aki fairly well.

The bullpen looked good in two-and-two-thirds innings work tonight. Balfour, Choate, and Howell only gave up two hits and had two strikeouts.

 

What Went Wrong

Being 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position is never a good thing to see. The offense needs to captlize when they get their chances.

I am a little upset after watching the Rays not draft a catcher with their first pick because Dioner Navarro is playing awful. Navi could not hit the ball if it was the size of a hot air balloon and beeped as it got closer to home plate. Can we plug in Hernandez for a game or two just to try it out?

 

What’s Next

Tomorrow’s game features John Lackey, RHP (1-1, 5.13) up against Jeff Niemann, RHP (5-4, 3.77) who is coming off his two-hit complete game performance against the Royals. First pitch is at 7:08 p.p. EST.