After last night’s dramatic comeback, the Tampa Bay Rays offense returned to their low scoring ways, collecting only 5 hits, 4 walks, and 2 runs against the Chicago White Sox today. The Rays starting pitcher, Wade Davis, performed well despite his lack of support, going 6 innings and allowing only 2 earned runs. Of course, Sam Fuld’s Superman catch in the 4th inning saved the Davis from a possible extra 3 runs against his record.
Meanwhile, the Chicago White Sox starter Philip Humber eschewed his track record as a below-average reliever and minor leaguer to stifle the Rays offense. Humber pitched 6 strong innings, allowing only 1 run on 4 hits and 2 walks. The White Sox bullpen also proved solid, allowing only 1 run in the final frame on a Felipe Lopez home run.
Unfortunately the Rays bullpen proved less stalwart as young Jake McGee served up a decisive 2-run double to A.J. Pierzynski in the 7th inning. Though the runs counted against Juan Cruz, McGee clearly appeared the lesser pitcher on the day, struggling both with command and power. At time, McGee’s fastball touched a blister 96 mph, but his ill-fated fastball to Pierzynski — which was in fact well above the zone — cruised at a more pedestrian 91 mph.
The Rays will take on the White Sox again tomorrow with game time slated for a 2:10 p.m. ET start.