Rays would-a, could-a, should-a. Didn't
"It's one game in July ... I don't really get worked up over this one loss," was the post-game quote from Joe Maddon that, granted, is somewhat the big-picture mindset a manager needs to have, but still it managed to bunch up my Superman undies.
We know it's one game in July, Joe. But it was one division game that meant a division series against the division leaders who just happen to be the defending World freaking Champions. And you lost. They didn't beat you. You beat yourselves. Again. This game was yours. You had it. Pettitte left in the 3rd inning with a sore groin. In the end we all had one. Twelve runners stranded. Twelve. Gabe Kapler in for Carl Crawford (wha?).
You're not going to be able to say there's plenty of games left forever. This is where the cream rises and the leaders emerge or fade away. Especially in the AL East. Tonight's game is in Baltimore against the worst team in baseball. This one sounds a little more like one game in July, skipper. Maybe Crawford could have rested tonight instead. I know I will. What else is on? The Bachelorette? Sigh ... GO RAYS!
Tampa Bay Storm comes full circle in Jax