Entering the holiday weekend, the Rays came in as one of the hottest teams in baseball. When it was over, the Texas Rangers were in first place and the Rays fell further behind in both the AL East Divisional race and the AL wildcard chase.
Texas swept Tampa Bay by silencing the red hot bats of the Rays, and taking advantage of uncharacteristic defensive lapses in their three game sweep.
Rookie Tommy Hunter three-hit, the Rays in the opening game of the series, while getting just enough run support from Hank Blaylock, who belted a two-run homer off of starter Scott Kazmir in the fourth. Kaz pitched well overall, going five innings, allowing five hits and three runs while walking only one. Unfortunately, it wouldn't be enough as the Rangers held on for a 3-1 decision.
Game two was an utter nightmare for Tampa Bay. Davd Price, coming off his best performance of the season, struggled with his control, walking five batters and giving up six runs in just an inning and a third of work. Meanwhile, Tampa Bay was again befuddled by a rookie pitcher who was Derek Holland. Holland went six strong innings allowing four runs off seven hits. Andruw Jones finished with four RBI on the day, while Michael Young added three more to lead Texas to the 12-4 blow out.
Tampa Bay was on National television for the third game of the series but again found it hard to get hits in Arlington, being held to three for the second time in the series by young right hander Scott Feldman. Used to slamming balls out of the ballpark, Texas instead won this one with small ball, scoring with three sacrifice flies and only two doubles against Rays starter Matt Garza.
Tampa Bay managed only seven runs in their last four games.
The Rays get the day off today, then head home to host the Blue Jays.
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