Talk about Tim Welke screwing Carlos Pena. Talk about the Rays struggling on offense. Talk about Joe Maddon’s bizarre decision to play Rocco Baldelli as the designated hitter.
Those played a role in the Rays’s 5-1 loss to the Rangers, but that wasn’t the reason why the Rays lost the playoff opener.
They lost because David Price did not pitch well. Price’s job was to keep up with Cliff Lee in every inning, but it did not happen yesterday.
Price gave up too many hits while Lee retired the side consistently. That was the story of the game.
Talk about Price’s eight strikeouts, but he gave up two home runs, five runs (four earned) and nine hits. He did not retire the side in this game. This is not what the Rays wanted to see out of their ace.
In playoff games, an ace has to set the tempo for the team to win. The Rays are not the type of team that is going to slug their way to victories. That team gets timely hits late in the game, and they make their run then.
In the mean time, the Rays need a starter that can help them get by while the other pitcher is shutting them down. That’s the way it’s going to be in the playoffs.
This is one starter that could not afford to fail. When one looks at the Rays iffy starting rotation, the Rays needed Price to be as good as he can be.
Now, the Rangers are in the catbird’s seat. With them having the edge in Game 2 with C.J. Wilson on the mound, this could be a quick series unless James Shields somehow delivers Thursday afternoon.
What went wrong with Price today? He gave up too many hits. The Rangers took good at-bats against him. What stood out here was Price’s fastball had nothing.
Another thing was Price’s pitches were at 80s at best. Price threw 90s at times, but it wasn’t consistent enough.
It just seems Price was begging to be hit here. It looked like he was uncomfortable out there.
Maybe it was postseason jitters. Keep in mind this was his first postseason start. Maybe he was hurting.
Something did not seem right. If that’s the case, the Rays could be in big trouble.
They probably are in trouble now. With their anemic offense and questionable starting staff, this may not end well.
Even if the Rays somehow take it to Game 5, does anyone have trust in Price with the way he is going right now?
The Rangers have the edge in Game 5 if this materializes. They know Lee can do it. He showed it today by striking out 10 batters, and retiring 16 out of 17 batters.
Plus, Lee has gone through the wars by having an excellent postseason last year. It’s why the Yankees are going to do whatever it takes to sign him next year.
There’s no question Texas will feel confident they can beat Price again. Game 1 is good enough for them to feel that way.
This was a major victory for the Rangers. They hoped they could somehow get by in this game and then win it in the end. For them to strike early, this gives them confidence they can do even better in the next game.
To get one win at the Trop would have been a plus. Now, they have the opportunity to go home by going up 2-0.
If that’s the case, the Rays could be in trouble. If anything, the Rays could be in danger of being swept unless James Shields all of sudden pitches lights out today.
The Rays have been resilient all year, so they deserve the benefit of the doubt. Maybe they can surprise with a victory in Game 2.
They are going to have to find a way. Maybe Wilson has a bad day. The Rays certainly hope so.
Texas has nothing to lose now. The Rays have a lot to play for. Their season comes down to Game 2.
When a team feels like they have nothing to lose, they have a better chance to win that game. This is the position the Rangers are in.Now, the world finds out what the Rays are all about. It is certainly easy to go out and be resilient in the regular season. Postseason is a different entity.
It was easy when there were no expectations for the Rays in their first postseason appearance couple of years ago. Now, they are the favorites, and sometimes, it can be a thankless job.
Only a team like the Yankees and the Phillies can embrace being favorites. They have been there and done that so many times.
Can the Rays answer the challenge?
That’s what the next game is all about. If it goes down to Game 5, can Price bounce back from this?
That’s another question, but first things first. Win Game 2.
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