Game 82: Farnsworth Implosion Wastes Price’s Outing

Bullpen issues plagued the Rays during the early part of the year. Today, the problems once again resurfaced.

Starter David Price had an excellent game in his last appearance before the All-Star break, not allowing a baserunner until a one out walk in the top of the fourth inning. Keeping the Yankees off balance with his curveball and fastball, Price allowed only one run, a Mark Teixeira home run to lead off the top of the seventh. For the game, he lasted the 7 innings, giving up the 1 earned run on 4 hits and 2 walks, while striking out 8 batters.

Due to the injuries in their rotation, the Yankees were forced to use reliever David Phelps for another start. Lasting 4.1 innings, he permitted only 2 hits, walked 3, and hit 2 batters. He also struck out 8 Rays in his third career start.

Carlos Pena hit a two run home run in the bottom of the seventh, giving the Rays a brief 3-1 lead. Kyle Farnsworth came in to protect the lead, and proceeded to implode. Farnsworth walked pinch hitter Eric Chavez, then struck out Derek Jeter for the first out of the inning. After walking the bases loaded, Farnsworth walked Alex Rodriguez, forcing in a run, cutting the lead to 3-2. Jake McGee was brought in to attempt to escape the jam, and gave up a two run single to Robinson Cano, giving the Yankees a 4-3 lead.

The loss ended the Rays nine game winning streak over the Yankees at Tropicana Field.

Game Notes: The Rays lead the American League in hit batsmen, with 36. Luke Scott is mired in the midst of a 0-36 slump. The longest streak of at bats without a hit belongs to Jose Cruz Jr, who went 0-37 in 2004.