Tampa Bay Rays Swept in Red Sox Doubleheader as Post-All-Star Slump Continues

The Tampa Bay Rays came out of the All-Star Break flat, and they paid for it. 

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The team fell in both games of the Friday doubleheader at Fenway Park, losing the second 5-3 to the Boston Red Sox.

Here is what you need to know about the contest. 

Dreadful day for the Starting Rotation

After a bad outing in Game 1 by Griffin Jax, Mason Englert struggled in a big way against the surging Red Sox as well. After being named the 27th man for the doubleheader, Englert allowed all 5 runs in the contest, which included 3 home runs in the game. 

With all the other top talent inside the Rays farm system, next time a spot start is needed, Kevin Cash should consider going in a different direction. 

One positive you can stretch for is that both losses on Friday did not need the services of the main pieces in the bullpen, such as Kevin Kelly and Bryan Baker. If the starting rotation can improve over the rest of the weekend, they will be fresh and ready to go.

Offense Improved in Game 2, Still Need More 

There was at least more traffic on the base paths in game two, but still not enough for a team that is fighting for the best record in the American League. The Rays finished with 7 hits on the day, however most came from the same culprits. 

Junior Caminero had a good doubleheader and picked up his 29th homer in the third inning on a ball that just stayed fair. He reached base safely in the first game as well, eliminating any concern from his early exit in Tuesday’s All-Star Game.

Jonny DeLuca was 2 for 4 and was responsible for the other two Rays runs in the loss as he helped the Rays get an early lead with a 2-out single. Unfortunately, that was mostly it for the Tampa Bay offense. The top of the order consisting of Yandy Diaz and Jonathan Arana was 0 for 8 in the game. 

Time to Panic?

Look, it’s only the first day following the All-Star Break, but it was the worst case scenario for the Rays. Tampa Bay lost two in a row right out the gate, and one of their division rivals, the Red Sox, is on an 11-game winning streak. Sure, they are still 8 games behind for the AL East lead, but as we saw in June, those leads can evaporate quickly. 

After Friday’s doubleheader, the Rays still hold a 2.5-game lead over the Yankees for the division, but if things don’t change quickly, that will likely evaporate before the road trip is over. They will be back in action on Saturday, looking to salvage the series at Fenway Park. Ian Seymour (6-2, 4.59 ERA) will get the start for the Rays. He will face left-hander Patrick Sandoval (0-0, 2.08 ERA). First pitch is scheduled for 4:10 PM EST.

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