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We've Seen This Before From Rays

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By JOE HENDERSON

jhenderson@tampatrib.com

Published: October 23, 2008

Updated: 10/23/2008 01:14 am

ST. PETERSBURG - It might have been the Rays' first appearance in the World Series, but the game they played Wednesday night against Philadelphia looked awfully familiar.

They couldn't do much with Phillies starter Cole Hamels, especially B.J. Upton. They were 0-for-11 with runners in scoring position, and starter Scott Kazmir was off his game just enough that Philly was able to produce a 3-2 win.

"He was on top of his game. A very impressive young man," Rays manager Joe Maddon said of Hamels, and that most certainly was true.

The Rays got only five hits against him, and three of those were by Akinori Iwamura.

"I'm glad he pitches for us," Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said. "He's been very consistent all year long."

It all unfolded in much the same way the opening game of the American League Championship Series did against Boston, when the Rays were beaten here 2-0. That didn't turn out too badly in the end, though, and we do know these Rays have been awfully good when they absolutely have to win.

Say, tonight for instance.

It simply will not do to lose both games here at the Trop before heading out to Philly this weekend, so there will be a distinct air of urgency to the whole affair tonight. But the Rays have the edge in the pitching matchup - James Shields over Philly's Brett Myers - and you couldn't say that Wednesday.

Upton, Carlos Pena and Evan Longoria were a combined 0-for-12 with four strikeouts against Hamels and the two relievers who followed him. The 2-through-7 spots in the order were 1-for-22.

Get the idea?

Then you remember what happened in the second game against Boston. The Rays busted out for nine runs and kept on hitting after that. They've done that all season.

There are real reasons to be concerned, though.

The Rays' trademark speed was not much of a factor, and the Phillies can make it basically a seven-inning game by bringing Ryan Madson and Brad Lidge in for the last two innings. The Rays will have to figure out a way to get to those guys, which certainly didn't happen in this game.

Six up, six down in the last two innings when one run would have tied it.

Annoying? Yes.

Disappointing? Obviously.

But panic in the streets?

We'll let you know after tonight.

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