WTMY AM 1280 -  "The Sports Fanatic": Rays scoreless through 21 straight innings

Rays scoreless through 21 straight innings
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Intern Bud Bundy on 08/07/2012 13:13:00

Tampa, FLA – The Rays get shutout for the second time yesterday in a pivotal
loss to division rival Orioles.

The Tampa Bay Rays offensive struggles continue, with their last run coming in
the 6th inning of Friday’s game on a Desmond Jennings homer. Since then, they
have failed to not only score, but even put runners in position. Yesterdays game
entailed yet another outstanding performance from pitching ace David Price, as
he went eight innings allowing only two hits. Unfortunately, Gonzalez for the
Orioles also pitched great against a worse hitting team, allowing just three
hits.
The game went into extra innings with the game scoreless, until Taylor Teagarden
doubled in the go-ahead run. As expected, the Rays did nothing in the 10th
inning to drop a game back of Baltimore in the American League east, and wild
card race. In front of a good crowd at Tropicana field, the Rays were unable to
put a good show on in a disappointing outing.
With all of that being said, there was some good news that came from the Ray
clubhouse. All-Star, and arguably the most important part to this team Evan
Longoria will return tomorrow night to face the Toronto Blue-Jays. Longo was off
to his best season yet before partially tearing his left hamstring in late
April. He will make his long-awaited start, and hopefully rejuvenate this
slumping ball club. Longo’s presence is not only important for himself to be
able to drive in runs, but also his teammates around him. Over the years players
like B.J. Upton and Carlos Pena have hit much better when Longoria is in the
lineup. If he can come back to the level he was playing in April, the Rays could
get some momentum on their side, and hopefully make another push towards the
playoffs.