MLB1 hour ago2 minute read

Rays Search for Answers After Whiffing 13 Times Against Guardians

The Tampa Bay Rays struck out 13 times in a 3-2 loss to Cleveland, dropping behind 2-1 in the series.

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Strikeouts pile up in Game 3

Tampa Bay came into Thursday known for making contact, but Cleveland pitchers dominated them. The Rays struck out 13 times in a 3-2 loss to the Guardians in Game 3 of the American League Championship Series.

The defeat drops Tampa Bay into a 2-1 deficit in the best of seven series. Junior Caminero suffered four strikeouts on his own during the game.

Chandler Simpson provided a bright spot with a two run triple. Still, the Rays struggled to make contact overall. They managed just three hits in the game and went 1 for 6 with runners in scoring position.

Rare misses for a low strikeout team

High strikeout numbers are unusual for Tampa Bay. During the regular season, the team struck out a major league low 1,145 times. They only struck out 13 or more times in a game once all season, when they had 14 whiffs in a 3-2 win at Milwaukee on March 30.

Caminero spoke after the game through interpreter Kevin Vera. "Believe me, I don't want to strike out four times," Caminero said. He added that the team simply has to make adjustments for the next game, plain and simple.

The Rays are now 6 for 35 with runners in scoring position over six postseason games. In the eighth inning, with Jorge Mateo on third base and two outs, Cade Smith struck out Yandy Díaz on a 98 mph fastball on the tenth pitch of the at bat.

Staying confident despite the loss

Díaz also spoke through Vera after the game. He called Smith one of the best closers in the league and said Smith got the better hand today. Díaz added that while the team does not strike out much normally, he feels their swings have been good and they just need to put the ball in play.

Simpson praised the opposing pitching staff as well. He said Cleveland was mixing up things and keeping everything over the plate, adding that the series feels like a dog fight where the teams are almost looking in the mirror.

What it means for the next game

Tampa Bay Rays at Cleveland Guardians (MLB, Fri, 16 Oct): Cleveland Guardians win 49%, Tampa Bay Rays win 51%; projected score Cleveland Guardians 3, Tampa Bay Rays 4. Our safest pick: Guardians +3.5.

Tampa Bay Rays at Cleveland Guardians (MLB, Sun, 18 Oct): Cleveland Guardians win 47%, Tampa Bay Rays win 53%; projected score Cleveland Guardians 4, Tampa Bay Rays 4. Our safest pick: Under 10.5 runs.