Tonight’s game had the sorts of frustrations that seem emblematic of this season. Bad luck, missed opportunities, partial comebacks. Starting pitching that isn’t awful but also isn’t effective. A bullpen that’s effective until it’s not.
Early innings
The Rays came up to bat after a 30 minute rain delay and got to work quickly. Batting second even though there was a lefty on the mound, Kevin Kiermaier worked a walk, sprinting to first base because that’s the way he rolls. Longoria followed up with a Coors field triple, a line drive just clearing the short stop’s glove and then disappearing into the cavernous left-center alley.