The offensive slump which saw them score only 3 times in 3 games in Atlanta carried over to the first two games they lost to Chicago (only 3 runs in those two games combined) before breaking out for a win in the finale.
The Rays dropped the opener 3-1 to the Pale Hose with
Danny Rivera's solo homer (#24) in the 4th one of only five hits on the night.
Bryce Barnett once again couldn't make it far in a start (2 0 0 0 0 1), this time leaving with a mild ab strain. He'll make his next start but has only managed 9 innings in 3 starts since joining the club and 6 of those came in his debut.
Chris Ericson (5-4) wound up taking the loss after giving up the two decisive runs in the 7th.
It was another struggle at the plate in the second game and then
Walt Kelly (5-5) gave up a pair of runs in the 9th to allow Chicago a 4-2 win.
Justin Blackwell's RBI double in the 2nd put them up 2-1 but
Danny Morales gave up the equalizer as part of a fine 6 5 2 1 0 7 outing before the White Sox got to Kelly for 2 runs on 3 hits in the 9th. Once again the bats only managed five hits.
The offense finally came through in the finale as they downed the White Sox 7-3.
Danny Rivera (#25) and
Tony Fisher (#22) belted 2-run homers as they had 9 hits this time (in addition to 8 walks), and it was enough for
Mike Blake (7-4) to earn the win despite a not terribly pretty 6.2 8 3 2 4 1 line.
Team record: 74-41. Next up: A day off then Texas visits for 3 games.
MLB News: Atlanta star Jasson Dominguez hit his 600th career homer, becoming only the 13th member in MLB history of that exclusive club. Here's a look at the all-time Top 20 including four active players:
Active players bubbling under are Kian Manmano and Julio Rodriguez at 566, tied for 21st behind Palmeiro.