The Tampa Bay Rays dropped a third straight game to the Seattle Mariners and they’re fifth in a row on Saturday. A grand slam by Mariners shortstop J.P. Crawford boosted the Mariners to an early lead from which the Rays came back but ultimately fell short. The Rays took this game to extra-innings on Saturday and looked to bust out of their recent slump. Coming up just short, the Rays look to bounce back on Sunday with the series finale against the Mariners.
Game Recap
Once this game had begun, it was clear this was going to be an offensive shootout. The Rays jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the top of the second. This lead didn’t last long as the Rays were quickly humbled in the same inning with the Mariners putting up five runs to deflate the Rays.
In a hope to recover after an early defect, the Rays did claw their way back putting up runs in the top of the 5th, 6th, and 9th innings to make the game interesting. A balanced team effort across the board helped the Rays stay in this game but the Mariners were simply too much for the Rays to handle on Saturday night.
J.P. Crawford hit a grand slam in the second inning to pull the Mariners out to an early lead. Crawford also scored the winning run in the bottom of the tenth inning to secure the victory over the Rays.
Big Time
This unfortunate loss by the Rays has dropped them out of first place in the division. Looking to straighten things out, the Rays need some sort of spark to propel them back into the win column. Whether that’s from the bats or the mound, the Rays need a jolt and desperately so this skid doesn’t fall completely out of control.
Up Next
The Rays finish the series in Seattle on Sunday and look to put up a win and positively leave their mini road trip.