Wednesday, June 12. Game 67: Is this officially a tailspin?

Rays 2,  Athletics 6

Record:  41-26

Attendance:  17,946  Mighty good number for a Wednesday in June at the Trop.

Two things about the A's came to mind after they took the rubber match 6-2 from the Rays last night. First the A's were one point lower than .600 last year when their record was 97-65.  And although they are currently hovering around the .500 mark, this is clearly a talented team the Rays didn't take seriously enough.  Second their manager Bob Melvin was the AL Manager of the Year in 2018--and two other years before that.  He's a very talented baseball man.

Two things about the Rays came to mind too.  First they opened the series against the A's after dominating the Red Sox in Fenway Park three games to one.  They came home on a roll and thought they would dismantle Melvin's A's with one hand tied behind their backs.  Second, even though their record is 41-26 (.612), their home and away records are far different, 23-10 on the road, but only 18-16 at the Trop.  For some reason (lack of screaming fans?) they tank almost as many times as they succeed at home.

But just like Tuesday's game, last night could easily have been a win. Starter Yonny Chirinos pitched well for six innings (two runs, seven hits, one walk, and seven Ks).  Ryne Stanek pitched a good seventh, but things began to fall apart when Adam Kolarek faced one batter (who singled)--and took the loss. Chaz Roe came in and walked one batter, wild-pitched the runners to second and third, and intentionally walked the next batter.  And then with the bases loaded, Manager Kevin Cash brought in the truly untested lefty Colin Poche to face the hot-hitting righty-swinging Ramon Laureano, who put a 2-2 pitch over the wall in left field for a Grand Slam.  The Rays outhit the A's 12-9.  Put that under the category Absolutely No Consolation (ANC).

In retrospect, Cash commented after the game that "putting a young pitcher in that position is not ideal." At the time he must have felt the gamble was worth it, that his young pitcher could get the job done.  Wrong on both counts.

And tonight the Los Angeles Angels (33-35) are in town.

Christian Arroyo was sent to Durham to make room for Joey Wendle, who is likely to play either third or shortstop tonight.

Willy Adames continues to make bad plays in the field and on the bases, and he hits erratically with low power numbers, but he brings enormous enthusiasm and genuine promise for better things in the future.  The problem is that this season cannot be written off because Adames will be better next year.  Give the SS job to Wendle or Daniel Robertson while Adames comes off the bench for limited action as needed.

And when do the Rays give up on Chaz Roe and his bases on balls?