Yesterday’s loss followed a familiar script. The Tampa Bay Rays starting pitching performed well, but the offense did not provide enough support. When they did manage to tie the game, the bullpen struggled, leading to yet another loss. Meanwhile, the Rays are sliding further out of the playoff picture, and are in danger of missing their chance to return to the postseason.
However, all was not lost yesterday. Chris Archer pitched well, allowing three runs on five hits in seven innings. He struck out ten, but it was one strikeout in particular that was notable. In the fourth inning, his strike out of Miguel Montero gave Archer 1000 strikeouts in his career, and put him in some select company.