Cobb Helps Rays Salvage Finale Against Royals

The Rays bounced back from a crushing loss last night by defeating the Royals 5-0 today with the help of Alex Cobb. I really like Joe Maddon‘s decision to go to a six man rotation and the reasons start with Cobb. As long as he continues to pitch like he has in spot starts all year, the Rays future rotation will be very good indeed. 

What was most impressive today about Cobb’s seven shutout innings was his efficiency. He only threw 85 pitches while allowing just six hits and no walks.

On the other side, the Rays offense did a lot of damage against Royals’ starter Felipe Paulino but wasn’t able to rough him up. They had a runner on third with less than two out in each of the first two innings but failed to score. The Rays put their first two men on in the third and this time, both Evan Longoria and Matt Joyce delivered to give the Rays a 2-0 lead.

It was a hot day in Kansas City with temperatures in the 90’s and even with the Rays getting hit by four pitches, tempers did not get heated. The Rays scored twice in the sixth on a single, hit by pitch, hit by pitch, walk and then another hit by pitch. The carnage was more comical then anything as there doesn’t appear to be any lasting bruises.

Desmond Jennings continued to impress with another two-for-three day. This time B.J. Upton was the odd man out leading to more speculation that Upton will be traded soon.

Player of the Game: Alex Cobb

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