Remember when Erasmo Ramirez was claiming almost every win for the Tampa Bay Rays.
If so, you have a fairly good memory.
Since Ramirez’ 6-1 beginning (through May 7), he has gone only 1-8. The latest loss came Friday night, when Ramirez gave up three runs in 2 2/3 innings, and the Rays led a late lead slip away to the Minnesota Twins. The Twins closed to within a half-game of the Rays in the battle for last place in the American League.
Ramirez gave up a two-run homer to Eddie Rosario and a solo shot to Miguel Sano in the seventh- and eighth-innings as the Rays saw a 2-1 lead turn into a four-run loss. In the effort, the Rays wasted a decent start by Blake Snell, who threw 5 1/3 innings of one run, four-hit baseball.
“Obviously not our best game,” said manager Kevin Cash. “We didn’t capitalize on some opportunities. We let the game get away. Left too many pitches up in the zone that those guys could handle and the ball left the park.”
Brad Miller hit his 20th home run for the Rays. Miller and Tim Beckham each had two hits.
“(Ramirez) has been throwing the ball pretty good for us,” Cash said. “Today, you go back and look at those pitches and I’m guessing they were probably hit where they were supposed to be hit [given] the location of them.”
Snell second-guessed his effort.
“I wish I would have went a little deeper in the game, and by doing that, I should’ve been more consistent with my pitches and more competitive in the zone,” Snell said. “It’s something I’ll learn from. I feel like I was getting better and better, but once I get into that sixth, I’ve got to finish it quick. I feel like I’m just trying to do too much and I just need to be in the zone and make them hit it and see how it plays out.”
The six runs were the most the Rays have given up since July 18.
Chris Archer pitches against Jose Berrios of the Twins today at 6:10 p.m.
