The Tampa Bay Rays’ recent struggles continued on Thursday night with a heartbreaking 5-4 loss to the Los Angeles Angels, marking their ninth defeat of the season.
Fairbanks’ Frustration
Closer Pete Fairbanks took the brunt of the blame after allowing two crucial runs in the ninth inning. The ace described his performance as “all-encompassing suck” and expressed disappointment in his lack of execution.
Fairbanks vowed to regroup and improve, saying, “I’ll give it 15 minutes of sulk and then get back on the bump and figure it out.”
Despite his recent struggles, Fairbanks has been a solid performer for the Rays in the past. In his 168 games with the team, he has accumulated 224 strikeouts and maintains a 3.13 ERA. However, his performance this season has dipped, resulting in a 9.00 ERA.
While Fairbanks endured a nightmare, his teammate Amed Rosario emerged as a savior on Tuesday night. In the 13th inning, Rosario’s RBI single drove in the winning run, providing the Rays with a much-needed victory.
Despite their current losing streak, the Rays remain competitive with a 10-9 record to start the season. Their resilience and determination were evident in their victory over the Rangers, showcasing their ability to bounce back from adversity.
The loss against the Angels was a setback, but the Rays have the potential to turn things around. With a talented roster and a proven track record of success, they remain a force to be reckoned with in the American League.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
