After an amazing first inning where the entire Rays lineup made it to the plate, they lose in extras to the Astros.
In the first Brad Miller, Steven Souza Jr., and Jesus Sucre all got RBIs to put the Rays up 4-0 in the first. But sadly, these would be the only runs that Rays would score all game.
So to recap that first inning…
Five hits ✅
Four runs ✅
Nine to the plate ✅#RaysUp pic.twitter.com/0S7jTiSWz1— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) April 23, 2017
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After a rough first inning, Astros starter Joe Musgrove would settle down and keep Rays hitters at bay.
In his postgame press conference, manager Kevin Cash credited Musgrove with “shutting it down” after the first. Cash said Musgroves “mixing of the pitches” kept the Rays hitters off balance.
Even with his departure in the 7th, the Rays still couldn’t get anything going.
The Rays starter Matt Andriese began to unravel in the 2nd when Carlos Correa hit his 2nd home run of the year to cut their then 4-0 lead in half.
“This was a frustrating loss, but we played good this home stand” Cash said. “We lost a tight ballgame, but our infield defense was tremendous”.
Cash praised Tim Beckham for his defense and turning multiple double plays.
Additionally, Cash said it’s great that they are “putting pressure on teams very early” but they just need to find ways to add to that. Getting the lead is great, but in order to win, the Rays have to hang onto it.
Andriese said he felt like he struggled with “command”. After 88 pitches Cash pulled the starter in favor of Chase Whitley and Andriese said “I felt like I had more in the tank”. He was asked if the length of the bottom first inning affected him, “No. It’s great to see 4-runs. That’s the only thing you’re really thinking about” Andriese said.
Andriese will depart with the lead after five frames. Chase Whitley will take over. pic.twitter.com/ma1ixldatm
— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) April 23, 2017
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Final score 6-4 Astros.
W: Gregerson (1-1) L: Garton (0-1) S: Giles (5)
The Rays close out the home stand winning 4 of the 6 games that makes their record 10-10 going into the road trip to Baltimore and Toronto.
