Even when the Tampa Bay Rays hit these days, they lose.
The Rays blew two big leads (one of three runs in regulation and one of two in extra innings) Friday night to lose their sixth game, this one 7-5 to the New York Yankees, which undid a lot of deficit with home run balls. The Rays have now lost eight of their last 10 games.
A three-run homer by Mark Teixeira in the eighth and another by Brian McCann in the bottom of the 12th inning lifted New York to its victory. The difference this time was that Tampa Bay had 12 hits – a week’s worth – but could not hold the Yankees.
It had started well for Tampa Bay, which jumped to a 3-0 lead. Starting pitcher Chris Archer allowed only three hits in his six and two-thirds innings of work.
But it wouldn’t last. Even in their slump, the meat of the bullpen has done well. But they beat up Kevin Jepsen – the second and third batters he faced singled, and Teixeira homered. Then they beat up Steve Geltz in the 12th with a walk, two singles and a home run.
“Tough way to lose,” said manager Kevin Cash.
The Rays had broken a tie with two in the top of the 12th, including a go-ahead single by Kevin Kiermaier, but could not hold it.
The Rays had threatened in the 11th when Evan Longoria hit a one-out double, but replays showed that Longoria lifted his foot off the bag while being tagged.
