Extra Extra: Charlie Morton deals in Tampa Bay Rays Loss
The Tampa Bay Rays clinch series as Charlie Morton delivered six stellar innings
The Tampa Bay Rays won the series against the Colorado Rockies with yesterday’s win, but today, they grab the sweep.
Charlie Morton will earn himself a no-decision in this one, proving how stupid the win stat is by and large stupid. Morton, arguably the biggest free agent grab in Tampa Bay Rays history, has panned out nicely. Morton went six innings only allowing four hits and giving up just a pair of walks. He did not allow a run, putting his ERA at 1.64.
Charlie Morton punched out six Colorado Rockie hitters and was just dominate. Morton maxed out at 95 MPH, and average 86 MPH, as he threw his curveball 31 times.
The Rays squandered a bases loaded less than two outs situation in the bottom of the sixth inning.
Ryne Stanek pitched an inning of no hit ball with a strikeout to boot in the top of the seventh.
In the bottom of the seventh inning, the Tampa Bay Rays got runners on Second and Third with less than two outs. After a Mike Zunino strikeout, Willy Adames who is hitting well below the Mendoza line decided to bunt with two outs and was nabbed at first base to waste another Rays scoring opportunity.
Jose Alvarado was called on in a tied game in the top of the 8th inning. This is a move that Cash should be praised for. Do not save your “closer” in hopes you get into a save situation, use him in the biggest point of the game.
Alvarado worked a one-two-three inning with three strikeouts featuring a punchout of Charlie Blackmon to end the 8th inning.
The Rays threatened again in the bottom of the 8th inning and again failed.
Diego Castillo was called on in the bottom of the ninth to work a perfect inning.
Mike Zunino hit a bloop single that put runners on the corners. After Adames went down on Strikes, Austin Meadows worked a walk to load the bases for Tommy Pham with two outs.
Pham hit a ball 107 miles per hour off the bat, but it was just a line out to the first basemen.
In the bottom of the tenth, Wade Davis struck out Kevin Kiermaier with two runners on to prolong the ball game.
Chris Iannetta hit a solo home run in the top of the 11th inning to give the Rockies a 1-0 lead, and that was all she wrote.
This game was a tale of missed opportunities, the Rays simply left too many runners stranded to win a game with this thin of a margin.
Still, though, the Tampa Bay Rays won the series two games to one, and are off to their best start in Franchise history.
Stiles Star of the game: Charlie Morton. The dude dealt.
With the San Francisco Giants next up on the docket, the Tampa Bay Rays are in line to win their third straight series. They are already off to the best start in franchise history, how hot can the team start? Follow us on Twitter @RaysColoGlasses for all the latest news, notes, opinions, and wacky topics!