June in Review

Record: 16-11

The Rays improved upon their pedestrian May by posting a solid June. On June 2, they embarked on a long, long road trip that saw them travel to four different cities including flying to Detroit for a make-up game. They lost two of three to Boston, but then won eight of their next nine thanks to interleague play.

It was also an odd month on the baseball schedule. They only played six games against the AL East and spent most of the month playing domes. They ended the month with 12 straight games against National League teams. That certainly won’t be the case in July.

The Rays only lost 11 times, but they were shutout five different times. After the jump are the monthly awards.

Best Win: June 28 vs. the Reds

Their most recent win was their best of the month. It featured a terrific pitching duel between David Price and Johnny Cueto and ended when Evan Longoria hit a walk-off homer in the ninth.

Worst Loss: June 10 at the Orioles

Jeremy Hellickson gave up two homers, including a grand slam as Jake Arrieta shut out the Rays.

Most Important Series: June 14-16 vs. the Red Sox

They lost two of three in a pitching dominated series.

Top Hitter: Ben Zobrist

The super utility player slugged 12 doubles and scored 20 runs and posted a .304/.395/.461 line

Top Pitcher: James Shields

He lost his first start of the month and the last start of the month, but in between he had three great outings throwing three complete games while allowing just one earned run.

Hard luck player: Jeremy Hellickson

He’s currently on a four game losing streak that’s not entirely his fault. He’s received exactly one run of support during that run.

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