SB Nation Tampa Bay - Rays Lose Slugfest, 9-8https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/49019/tb-fave.png2011-03-20T23:52:59-04:00http://tampabay.sbnation.com/rss/stream/18256922011-03-20T23:52:59-04:002011-03-20T23:52:59-04:00Despite 6-Run 7th Inning, The Rays Lose
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<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.draysbay.com/">Tampa Bay Rays</a> <span>Jeff Niemann</span> went a full 6 innings on Sunday as starters continue to stretch for the regular season. Allowing 8 hits and 4 runs, Niemann pitched well until the third inning, where he allowed consecutive doubles to start the inning.</p>
<p>A wild 6th inning, capped by <span>Justin Ruggiano</span>’s 3-run home run (his first), which gave the Rays an 8-7 lead. Unfortunately, bullpen candidate <span>Mike Ekstrom</span> continued his Spring Training woes, allowing two runs in the 9th inning, enough to give the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.camdenchat.com/">Orioles</a> a final lead.</p>
<p>On a positive note, <span>Ben Zobrist</span> hit his first triple of the spring, ironically somewhat showing more power than the Rays need in the lead off spot. <span>Evan Longoria</span> went 2 for 2 with a walk, and <span>Reid Brignac</span> also added 2 hits (both singles).</p>
<p>Pitching for the Rays, only <span>Cesar Ramos</span> and <span>Jake McGee</span> had scoreless appearances, with a good deal of damage coming from <span>Adam Russell</span> — who managed only 1 out despite allowing 3 runs.</p>
<p>The Rays are scheduled to take on the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/">New York Yankees</a> tomorrow, starting at 7:05 pm <span class="caps">EST</span> as Spring Training enters its final two weeks.</p>
https://tampabay.sbnation.com/tampa-bay-rays/2011/3/20/2062898/despite-6-run-7th-inning-the-rays-loseBradley Woodrum2011-03-20T10:36:32-04:002011-03-20T10:36:32-04:00Jeff Niemann, Rays Take On Orioles
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<p><span>Jeff Niemann</span> takes the hill for the Rays today, as the Rays trot out most of their regulars for today's Spring Training game against the Orioles. Niemann is slotted as the Rays' fourth starter, and should be expected to throw around 70-90 pitches today as the Rays get him stretched out for the regular season.</p>
<p>Also, <span>John Jaso</span> is apparently still in plenty of pain after taking a foul ball to the groin yesterday. The details aren't the most fun to read, but if you want to read more, <a style="color: #c8181d !important; text-decoration: none !important; background-color: transparent;" href="http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/rays/content/spring-game-report-rays-vs-os" target="_blank">Topkin </a>has you covered. Jaso is day-to-day at this point.</p>
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<p><b>Who: </b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.camdenchat.com/">Baltimore Orioles</a> vs. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.draysbay.com/">Tampa Bay Rays</a></p>
<p><b>When & Where: </b>1:05 PM, Charlotte Sports Park, Charlotte County, Fla.</p>
<p><b>Radio:</b> WDAE 620 AM</p>
<p><b>Pitching for the Rays:</b> Jeff Niemann, <span>Adam Russell</span>, <span>Cesar Ramos</span>, <span>Jake McGee</span></p>
<p><b>Pitching for the Orioles:</b> <span>Brad Bergesen</span>, <span>Jim Johnson</span>, <span>Jeremy Accardo</span>, <span>Ryan Drese</span></p>
<p><b>Rays Lineup: </b>Courtesy of <a target="_blank" href="http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/rays/content/spring-game-report-rays-twins-0">Marc Topkin</a>:</p>
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<p>Zobrist 2b<br>Damon dh<br>Longoria 3b<br>Ramirez lf<br>Joyce rf<br>Upton cf<br>D. Johnson 1b<br>Shoppach c<br>Brignac ss </p>
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https://tampabay.sbnation.com/2011/3/20/2331880/jeff-niemann-rays-take-on-oriolesSteve Slowinski