Game 78: Alex Cobb, Offense Both Struggle in 8-1 Loss

The Rays started out a 3 game series with the Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday and it wasn’t one they’d like to remember in an 8-1 loss. Alex Cobb struggled with control and only lasted 5 innings. He allowed 6 runs on 6 hits while striking out 2 and walking 3. The offense only mustered 1 run on 6 hits. It was a bad game right from the start and only got worse as the game went on.

The Pirates scored 2 runs in the first courtesy of a groundout by Ike Davis and a single by Russell Martin. Martin hit one off Alex Cobb who almost made a terrific play off the deflection but threw the ball by James Loney and into foul territory. The Rays got a run back on a James Loney single in the bottom of the first but that would be the only run they would score off Edinson Volquez, who pitched 8 strong innings. Andrew McCutchen singled home a run in the top of the 3^rd and Pedro Alvarez blew the game open with a 3 run homer to center. The Pirates would add a run in the 8^th and the 9^th to cap off the win.

Cesar Ramos threw 2.1 perfect innings in relief and was able to keep the Rays somewhat in the game. Kirby Yates had a poor outing allowing 2 runs in 1.2 inning, and at one point forced Joe Maddon to warm Logan Forsythe up in the pen. The Rays offense also didn’t do themselves any favors by hitting into 3 inning ending double plays. This one was ugly no doubt about it.

The Rays take on the Pirates again tomorrow night at 7:10 PM EST. Chris Archer is on the mound opposing Jeff Locke.