The Rays are already playing their 151st game of the season, and with eleven games left, their playoff chances are almost nonexistent. The Rays are trying to turn the page and start looking at what will work for a big 2026 season. There are several matters that need to be addressed on the business side in the near future; however, on the field, the Rays must resolve these issues now. The team is coming off a tough loss the previous night against the potential AL East champs, the Toronto Blue Jays.
After a brief rain delay, the game got underway in downtown Tampa. However, the rain didn’t stop the Rays’ offense, as they got things started quickly with a Yandy Díaz RBI single that drove in lead-off man Chandler Simpson. The Rays could not build a rally and finished the first inning leading 1-0.
Toronto didn’t generate much offense throughout the game. Nevertheless, in the 4th inning, Mexican-born catcher Alejandro Kirk launched a ball to deep center field. It looked like it was going over the fence, but Chandler Simpson made a spectacular catch to rob Kirk of a home run. The runner on third base scored on the play, allowing the Blue Jays to tie the game after four innings.
After the fourth inning, the game settled into a quiet stretch, with not much offense on either side. However, the Rays’ rookies had other ideas. In the 7th inning, Carson Williams hit his third double of the season, and fellow rookie Chandler Simpson drove him in with an RBI single to center field. The Rays led 2-1 after seven complete innings.
As Rays fans, we should take a moment to appreciate Ian Seymour’s performance. He finished with 7 innings pitched, 1 run (unearned), 1 walk, and 3 strikeouts. He has been a pleasant surprise this season, and he has earned the right to compete for a spot in the 2026 rotation. He has had phenomenal starts where he gets batters out in so many different ways.
Pete Fairbanks got the job done this time, as the Rays won 2-1 with great pitching and not a lot of offense. Tomorrow, the Rays will close out the series against the Jays. First pitch is scheduled for 1:10 PM ET, with Chris Bassitt facing Shane Baz.
