Rays Colored Glasses: Game Recap

Date: April 6, 2011
v. LA Angels

Attendance: 13,173

W: Jered Weaver (2-0) 0.69 ERA

L: Jeff Niemann (0-1) 7.50 ERA

S: Jordan Walden (1)

Summary:

The struggles continue for the Rays. Jeff Niemann made his 2011 debut tonight and it was not one of his better days. He just wasn’t able to keep the Angels off the base paths. After allowing three runs on four singles in the 1st inning, Niemann gave up a solo home run to rookie Catcher Hank Conger, leading off the 2nd inning.

The early four run lead helped Jered Weaver settle into a groove. The one blemish on Weaver tonight was the home run given up to Sean Rodriguez in the third. This put the Rays on the board (4-1). Weaver then went through innings 4-6 without giving up a single hit. He finished with six Ks, one run, three hits, while walking three, through six and two-thirds. Recently promoted, rookie RHP Jordan Walden picked up his first career Save, closing out the victory for Weaver.

Aside from the Rodriguez blast in the third inning, the only real bright spot was BJ Upton. He finished the game 1-for-4, belting a two-run shot in the eighth inning. The telling stat in this one was the 3-4-5 hitters went a combined 0-for-11 with four Ks and 11 men Left On Base. Unacceptable! Leading the way was Manny Ramirez (0-for-4 with three Ks and three LOB).

I know it’s early, but the Rays need to do something about their anemic offense. Through four games they have four runs. Even the Butler Bulldogs had better execution on offense!
Yeah, I just went there!

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