James Shields did his job. Ichiro’s lead-off HR was the only run of the game. That’s not supposed to happen. A lead-off HR shouldn’t be the last offense from either team of the night.
The Rays had their chances. They left runners stranded in scoring position in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th innings. And, again in the 9th inning.
Coming off a game where they scored nine runs on 15 hits, we expect more. Sure, they faced King Felix, who pitched a heck of a game. But, this is a game the Rays should have won. Stellar pitching from Shields. But, virtually no timely hitting.
Does anyone else feel that the bottom third of the order is a little too weak? The string of Navarro, Iwamura and Bartlett shouldn’t render too many pitchers scared.
