Rays: 4, Angels: 5 - An Inclementbanks Ending

After a “thrilling” end to last nights extra innings win, Rays are looking to secure at least a series tie today with Game 3 of 4 against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

Angels scored first in the 1st inning with a Mike Trout solo shot after a 3- 2 count.

Angels lead 1-0 after 1 inning, as the Rays top 3 hitters went down 1-2-3. Angels threatened again with two runners on in the 2nd inning, but Littell was able to get out of the issue with a strikeout of Anthony Rendon.

Rays were able to get a run back after two back to back infield hits by Rosario and Caballero. Both runners advanced on a throwing error by Anthony Rendon.

Tied at 1!

Yandy had a Yandy-like hit (103 MPV EV) for a double in the 3rd inning, but the Rays couldn’t convert and we are still tied after 3 innings.

In the top of the 5th inning, Noah Schanuel singled to open the inning, and then advanced on a pop out on the infield to Yandy Diaz. Schanuel did to back to 1st base, but noticed notbody was covering 2nd, and that time was not called by the umpires, and took a free base.

Of course, that would come back to bite the Rays, as Anthony Rendon singled to score him, and give the Angels a 2-1 lead.

Angels scored again in the next inning, with Logan O’Hoppe doubling to open the 6th inning. Littel got two outs from Aaron Hicks and Mickey Moniak, but couldn’t put away Luis Rengifo, as he would double to score O’Hoppe and give the Angels a 3-1 lead.

That would be it for Littell, as Chris Devenski was called in by Cash to complete the inning and limit the damage.

Zach Littell’s final line: 5.2 IP, 8 H, 3 ER, 0 BB and 7 Ks. Overall a solid night

Rays got a run back in the bottom of the 6th inning as both Yandy and Harold were able to get on base, and the Rays had runners on the corners with nobody out. Randy followed both of those singles up with one of his own to score Randy and cut the Angels lead to 1.

Even with the stolen base by Randy, Rays couldn’t add any more and would have to settle for the 1 run, and the Angels lead 3-2 after 6.

Rays had another hopeful opportunity in the bottom of the 7th inning with Curtis Mead getting a single and Rene Pinto getting HBP (he ended up OK) to put two runners on with 1 out and Yandy Diaz (2 for 3 already today) up to the plate. And at first, it looked like Yandy poked a ball through, but it was caught by the Angels’ shortstop Zach Neto, and quickly doubled off Curtis Mead to end the inning.

In the bottom of the 8th, the Angels’ Hunter Strickland made quick work of Harold Ramirez and Randy Arozarena for two outs. Isaac Parades hit a looper for a single, then Amed Rosario got a fastball middle-in and didn’t miss it.

Rays lead 4-3 after 8 innings, and Pete Fairbanks is on to close it out.

Reader, I’m sad to report that Pete’s struggles have continued.

Pete was able to get the first out, but a single by Renfigo and walk by Neto put 2 runners on with 1 out. After two steals during Anthony Rendon’s AB, Rendon puts one in play and the original call is two runs score, but after review the second run is overturned.

Score is tied 4-4

Rays would IBB Mike Trout to face Taylor Ward, who singled to give the Angels the lead.

Implosion is complete and Angels have a 5-4 lead going into the bottom of the 9th inning.

Hunter Strickland was still out for the Angels, and made quick work of Jose Siri and Curtis Mead for two quick outs. Strickland allowed Goodrum to reach, but Yandy flied out to end any hope.

Rays look to split the 4 game series tomorrow, with the Angels’ Griffin Canning facing off against Rays’ Ryan Pepiot. Game time is at 1:10 PM.