The run of quality starts from Tampa Bay Rays rookie Jake Faria ended on Wednesday afternoon when the Oakland A’s scored four runs vs Faria in the fifth inning, then scored single runs in the following three innings to beat the Rays 7-2. With the loss, the Rays end their two city West Coast trip 4-2, taking two out of three in both Anaheim & Oakland.
In just his eighth career start, Faria struggled with his control, allowing four runs & walking four batters in just five innings. Meanwhile, the A’s starter Sonny Gray avoided major damage early on then settled down to pitch into the seventh inning & get the win. The Rays jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the fourth after getting an RBI single from Wilson Ramos then a fielder’s choice RBI groundout from Brad Miller. But that’s all the scoring the Rays did vs Gray & the A’s bullpen, which blew a one run lead in the top of the ninth on Tuesday night.
The Rays (51-46) return home & have a day off on Thursday but maybe their biggest concern once at home will be the health of Steven Souza Jr, who left the game on Wednesday with a hip strain after sliding during an attempted steal of second base in the top of the first inning. X-rays on Souza Jr were negative & he’s listed as day to day but will be evaluated on Thursday.
On Friday, the Rays open a three game series at home vs the Texas Rangers & coverage will begin on 620 WDAE with the Inside Pitch hosted by Steve Carney.