Grumbling Rays @ Melky Smooth Royals

[Tobywan]

Probables


Davis VS Hochevar

Niemann VS Francis

Cobb VS Paulino

The Rays coming off a stretch against their top two division rivals, split a series with the Yanks including a pitching duel on Thursday between Sabathia and Shields.

The Royals took a series from the White Sox, but sit in last place.


Tonight’s Match ups

Wade Davis is making his first start since coming off the DL, Maddon wanted to get him a quick start after having good BP sessions this week. He is 7-6, with a 4.25 ERA, in his last start, he gave up four runs , 3 earned in 5 innings against the Twins July 6th.

Luke Hochevar is 5-8 with a 5.23 ERA, had a good outing last Friday VS the Twins giving up just one run one on three hits in seven innings.

Maddon for time being has decided to keep 6 starters giving Hellickson an extra day’s rest, but hasn’t decided if it is temporary or a longer stint for Cobb.

Worth noting

Now that Casey Kotchman has enough at bats to qualify he goes into tonight’s contest 2nd in BA in the AL and 3rd in the majors.

[Tobywan]

Line ups


Rays

Damon DH,
Zobrist 2B,
Kotchman 1B,
Longoria 3B,
Joyce RF,
Upton CF,
Fuld LF,
Chirinos C,
Rodriguez SS

Royals

Gordon LF
Cabrera CF
Butler DH
Hosmer 1B
Francoeur RF
Moustakas 3B
Treanor C
Getz 2B
Escobar SS

[Tobywan]

Temps in KC have been about the same as the rest of the Midwest and northeast. It was 100 degrees on the field but it didn’t help the Rays heat up.

Davis may have had good BP sessions but he wasn’t very sharp in game.
The Rays couldn’t capitalize on first inning wildness from Hochevar loading the bases and only coming out with one run.

Seems to be a domino effect with this club when pitching is off so is defense, a lot of miscues and no communication in the outfield and the one ball caught by Fuld was ruled a no catch leading to an onslaught from the Royals. Rays caught a slight break in the 6th as Hochevar started to slide coming within one run, but a pitching change killed the chances for a come back. Royals take first game 10-4

One bright spot, Longoria seems to have found his swing…….I better not say that too loud.

The Rays optioned Reid Brignac to Durham and called up Desmond Jennings, word is he will bat lead off moving Damon to the 2 hole. For now they will carry extra OFs, EJ and SRod will split time at SS.

[zodious]

It'll be fun to see Desmond Jennings, And my fantasy team could use a good game from Zobrist!

[Tobywan]

Tonight’s match ups

Jeff Niemann is 4-4 with a 3.94 ERA and has won his last 3 decisions going 8 scoreless innings on July 17 against the Red Sox.

Jeff Francis is 3-11 with a 4.62 ERA, hasn’t had any pain in his shoulder after spending time on the DL in the past 2 seasons


Desmond Jennings joins the line up tonight in left he was hitting .275 with 12 homers, 39 RBIs and 17 SB with Durham.

Worth noting

When Johnny Damon hits his next double he will pass HOF Andre Dawson on the all-time list.

Closer Joakim Soria needs one save to become the 13th active player to reach 150 career saves.

Sam Fuld apologized to the Rays Republic on Twitter for the close up that caught him using SWEAR WORDS last night when the 3B ump ruled his catch was trapped.

[Tobywan]

Line ups

Rays

Jennings LF
Damon DH
Zobrist RF
Longoria 3B
Upton CF
Rodriguez 2B
Kotchman 1B
Shoppach C,
Johnson SS

Royals

Gordon LF
Cabrera CF
Butler DH
Hosmer 1B
Francoeur RF
Moustakas 3B
Pena C
Getz 2B
Escobar SS

[Tobywan]

Nice Jennings leads off with a triple.

[Tobywan]

Jennings scored on the single by Zobrist, but the Rays loaded the bases and once again came away with just that one run.

[zodious]

Jennings on full Cycle watch with a Triple and Double already!

[Tobywan]

An RBI double to boot, scored Johnson in the 2nd. Rays up 2-0.

[Tobywan]

Mous hits a double in the 4th bringing in two runs. Game tied 2-2.

[Tobywan]

Zobrist doubles, Longo hits one deep off the left field wall to bring him in, Evan trying for a double, he beats the tag.

Rays lead 3-2.

[Tobywan]

Now pitching Greg Holland.

Jennings walked, Damon lines one into right, Jennings scores from first, Damon ends up at second.

Rays up 4-2.

[Tobywan]

In the 6th, Hosmer singled, Francoeur doubled moving Hos to third and scores on SF off Mous.

Rays lead 4-3.

[Tobywan]

Joel Peralta in to pitch the 7th for the Rays.