After all the games, after all the losses, the Tampa Bay Rays finally found themselves in a spot they don’t want to be.
Last place.
The Rays fell into the American League East cellar Monday night, losing an 8-7 game to the Boston Red Sox. It was the 54th one-run game of the season for the Rays, who are 25-29 in such games.
A grand slam by Xander Bogaerts off of Brandon Gomes in the eighth inning led Boston’s comeback. Jackie Bradley Jr. was hit by a pitch, and Mookie Betts and Dustin Pedroia singled to load the bases, all with two out, before Bogaerts went deep.
The Rays had taken a 3-0 lead just nine pitches into the game. But Rays’ starter Chris Archer fought his control, however, walking five and throwing two wild pitches. Boston rallied for a 4-3 lead, but again, the Rays came back to take a 6-4 lead on a bases-loaded double by Grady Sizemore. However, the Rays have had trouble staving off opponents lately.
Tampa Bay was officially eliminated from the AL East race as it fell to last place 150 games into the season. The Rays have not been in last place this deeply into a season since 2007.
Matt Moore pitches for the Rays tonight against Boston’s Henry Owens.
