Tampa Bay Rays’ Downfall Continues as Orioles Secure Extra-Inning Victory
Tampa Bay Rays vs Baltimore Orioles
The Tampa Bay Rays’ recent struggles continued on Thursday night after a devastating 3 extra-inning loss to the Baltimore Orioles. This was the Rays’ fifth consecutive loss, they fell from their first place in the American League East for the first time this season.
Orioles after the win vs. the Dodgers and Rays loss 🔥
⚾ 1st place in the AL East after the All-Star Break for the first time since 2016.
⚾ 8th team in AL/NL history to not be swept in 70 consecutive series.pic.twitter.com/sNIopqXFG6
— ClutchPoints MLB (@ClutchpointsMLB) July 19, 2023
Are the Rays doing good this season?
The Rays had an impressive 29-7 start to the season, but it all went downhill after May 9th, with a 31-33 record. Their struggles were even worse this month, winning only 3 out of 15 games. Making them the worst team in the American League for July.
The Tampa Bay Rays were 30-9.
They're 30-31 since.
Why is the national media not discussing this more?
— Dan Clark (@DanClarkSports) July 21, 2023
Are the Orioles doing good this season?
On the other hand, the Orioles are making a comeback. Winning 11 out of their last 16 games, they are closing the gap in the AL East, trailing behind the Rays by just one game.
Sole possession of first place in the AL East now belongs to the @Orioles! 👀#HighHeat | @alannarizzo | #Birdland pic.twitter.com/3APfyYoXuW
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) July 21, 2023
How did the Rays vs Orioles match go?
In Thursday’s game, the Rays struggled with their offense. Only averaging 3.3 runs per game, they are doing way worse than the 5.6 runs per game they had early on. When they went up against the Orioles, they only went 2-for-14 with runners in scoring position.
The game had a turning point, where the Rays’ allowed the Orioles to score 3 runs and take their lead. A fielding error and missed tag at home plate is what caused this.
Despite their struggles though, Rays’ manager Kevin Cash is still optimistic. “We’ve played really, really good. That’s what it means. And it is July… We have such a good team that I’m confident that it’ll turn around.”
Final after 10 pic.twitter.com/5rnSj9cjr5
— Tampa Bay Devil Rays (@RaysBaseball) July 21, 2023
What will the future look like for the Rays?
The Rays must address whatever issues they have quickly to reclaim their AL East’s top spot. At the rate they’re going, the Orioles will be able to capitalize easily and take their spot.
With plenty of games left in the season, the Rays shouldn’t lose their hope yet. With each game getting more and more intense, fans and analysts are eager to see who will be the division’s winner. Only time will tell if the Tampa Bay Rays will overcome their challenges and protect their top spot.