It was another tough loss for the Tampa Bay Rays as they were pummeled by the Washington Nationals on Wednesday night, losing 15-6. It was the third straight loss for Tampa Bay and their 11th loss in the last 15 games. The Nationals, on the other hand, have won four straight and are 14-3 in their last 17 games. Here’s how it all went down:
Offense
The Rays offense was decent, but it was overshadowed by the resurgent and powerful Nationals hitting. Trea Turner led the way going 4-for-4 with a cycle and two stolen bases. It was the third cycle of his career and the first time a player hit for the cycle on his birthday in the baseball modern era (Turner turned 28). Also, Turner’s third-career cycle tied an MLB record.
Six other Nationals’ had two or more hits including Starlin Castro who drove in four runs. In the end, the Nationals wound up with 18 hits and 15 runs. It was the most runs scored in the month of June for a scorching hot Nationals team.
Meanwhile, the Rays scored six runs on 10 hits, with both Mike Zunino and Yandy Diaz going deep. However, the Rays attack wasn’t enough to help aid a terrible pitching performance.
Pitching
The Rays went with an opener for Wednesday’s game as Drew Rasmussen took to the mound. Rasmussen went two innings, allowing two earned runs on two hits and one walk. Rasmussen wasn’t the main problem though, as the bullpen gave up 13 runs in six and two-thirds innings. The Rays have been a stranger to bullpen struggles as they have the third-best bullpen ERA in the MLB. Of course, the struggles couldn’t come at a worse time as Tampa is already two games behind the Red Sox for the AL East lead.
For the Nationals, Jon Lester took to the mound. Lester allowed five earned runs through five innings, but the offense led by Trea Turner bailed him out.
Up Next
The Rays will have a well-needed off day on Thursday. Then, Tampa Bay will travel to Buffalo to take on the Toronto Blue Jays.