Oh, so this is what a ninth-inning comeback feels like.
The Tampa Bay Rays, who had been 0-49 on the season when trailing after eight innings, finally came from behind to win one in the final frame Saturday night in a 5-4 win over Oakland. The Rays had come from behind 25 times this year, more than one-third of all their wins, but never in the final chapter.
The Rays scored two runs on a double by the red-hot Asdrubal Cabrera, who is hitting .412 since the all-star break. As hot as Cabrera has been, you might question why the A’s chose to pitch to him with a base open and two runners in scoring position. As far as pitching around Cabrera, the first pitch was hittable.
This time, the Rays presented the ninth inning to Alex Colome, who retired all six batters he faced in the eighth and ninth. Normal closer Brad Boxberger, who has struggled lately, was unavailable after throwing 33 pitches Friday night.
Tampa Bay had three home runs to lead its victory by Logan Forsythe, John Jaso and Cabrera. Erasmo Ramirez threw seven innings, but gave up three runs (two home runs) in the sixth.
Jake Odorizzi starts for the Rays today.
