Game 65: David Price Solid, Offense Struggles As Rays Lose

The Tampa Bay Rays struggles continue, as they dropped Monday’s game against the Seattle Mariners 3-0. Seemingly they have been so close to turning things around, but they just can’t get fired on all cylinders in the same game. When the pitching is on, the offense is off, and when the offense is on, the pitching is off. With the loss, the Rays are now at a major league worst 24-42.

David Price showed just why he is the ace of the staff in this contest. Despite not having quite his best stuff, Price still would go 8.0 innings, allowing 3 runs on 7 hits and 1 walk while striking out 10. A 3 run third would be the only real trouble he faced all day. Price would also fire 118 pitches, 82 strikes, in a night where he battled hard to give the bullpen some rest. His stuff hasn’t been at his best this season, but he battles hard to give the Rays a chance to win every time out and you can’t ask for too much more than that. Cesar Ramos would come on to get one out against lefty Kyle Seager, and Brad Boxberger finished off the scoreless 9th inning.

It was the offense that once again struggled to lead the Rays to the loss. Despite putting plenty of men on base via 5 hits and 6 walks, the Rays couldn’t capitalize one time. They would go 0-7 with runners in scoring position, and that will never get the job done. No hitter would have more than a single in the game. James Loney would go 1-2 with a double and 2 walks, and he also stole his second base of the season. Kevin Kiermaier also smacked a double as he continues to make the most of his time in the big leagues. It was a miserable day for the offense, and key pieces of the Rays lineup like Ben Zobrist, Evan Longoria, and Desmond Jenings still cannot find a way to get going.

The Rays will host the St. Louis Cardinals for an interleague matchup starting tomorrow at 7:10. The reeling offense will face a tough matchup against Adam Wainwright, one of baseball’s best pitchers this season. Jake Odorizzi will be on the mound for the Rays.