Close, yet so far away.
I got home late tonight, so I didn’t see the first five innings. The last four innings were pretty eventful though.
Top of 6th – Shields was cruising along but hit a road block when Longo biffed a throw. He was able to get two outs, but he also walked two. Result – bases loaded two outs.
Lance Cormier was brought in to take care of business. Result – grand slam, aka four runs. This was especially painful for me because Lance is one of my favorites. That’s impressive because as a Rays fan my favorites don’t tend to come from the bullpen.
Bottom 6th – Barty starts it off with a base hit. I loved him last year, but I really love him now that he’s all hitty. Longo doubled. Love him too. Then BennyZ hits a three run homer! The Rays are right back in it.
Top 7th – Cormier walks the first two batters. I’m a little worried about him. I hope it’s just an off night. Springer is brought in for relief, but alas it’s not to be had. Three runs are what’s to be had, and the Rays are right back out of it. Grrrr.
Bottom 7th – The Rays go down one, two, three. Not good.
Top 8th – Choate doesn’t choke.
Bottom 8th – Crawford singles. Longo grounds into a double play…except Wiggy booted it. Oh sweet justice. Pat the Bat singles and moves the runners. Gross ground in one run, and Pena doubles in two more to make it 8-7. I thought Zaun and his mighty mullet might tie it up but not tonight.
Top 9th – Choate and Wheels sit them down.
Bottom 9th – BJ, BJ, BJ what the hell was that, and was it your own idea? He pop bunted to the pitcher. Bartlett singled, then stole second. Crawford grounded out and moved him over. Man on third, Evan Longoria in to save the day. Not this time folks. It’s crazy that it was even this close of a game what with the handing out of homeruns with runners on.
Now it’s time to make up that game with a few games of Texas hold’em. Go Rays!!
