For the optimists, there was Erasmo Ramirez, flirting with history.
For the pessimists, there was Brad Boxberger, letting another one slip away.
For the realists, there is the ever-daunting problem of trying to get back into the AL wild card race while falling. The Rays are now five games under .500, their lowest point of the season. The New York Yankees put them there Monday night with a 4-1 voctory on a ninth inning comeback. With the Rays one out away from victory, the Yankees tied the game on a double by Alex Rodriguez, then won it on a three-run homer by Slade Heathcock.
For Boxberger, it was his 10th loss of the year and his sixth blown save. Even for a pitcher whose 34 saves are second in the American League, that’s a lot of games to have turn around on you.
Ramirez, on the other hand, had his finest game of the year with two walks and a single off first baseman Richie Shaffer’s shoulder in 7 2/3 innings. C.C. Sabbathia pitched well for the Yankees, allowing only three hits in 6 2/3 innings.
The Rays pitch Jake Odorizzi in tonight’s game against the Yankees’ Adam Warren.
