Joe Maddon reflects on Game 2 of ALDS between Tampa Bay Rays and Texas Rangers – MLB Playoffs
The Tampa Bay Rays had an opportunity to head back home with a 2-0 series lead against the Texas Rangers on Saturday, October 1 at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. The club brought on ‘Big Game’ James Shields but that had an adverse effect on the match-up
as the home team plucked out five runs against the hurler in the bottom of the fourth. The club would eventually go on to win the bout as the Rangers ended the night with an 8-6 victory.
Rays’ manager Joe Maddon had a lot to speak of after the game and his major focus was on the inning that went against the team. Shields hit two batters with the ball before he delivered a wild pitch against David Murphy on a 1-2 pitch count.
Game 2 of the American League Division Series had to be won in one way and the Rangers won the game, thanks to Shield. The Rays were 3-0 in the lead before the inning. They went 3-5 behind after the bottom of the fourth.
"It did kind of snowball on us," Maddon said of the inning. "I was looking at my guys out there, and I really saw great composure in the moment. I didn't see anybody out of the ordinary, out of sorts."
Shields had gone to the fourth inning with just a hit conceded to the Rangers. However that changed dramatically in the inning.
"He was going along really well," said Maddon. "I thought he had some good stuff and nice tempo and rhythm about him, and all of a sudden a couple hit batters.”
James ended his night with seven earned runs off eight hits in five innings. This was definitely not his finest performance. The loss will weigh heavy on the Rays, as the club now looks to prep David Price for his part in Game 3 of the series. The Rays will
be looking to dominate in their next match-up, as the Rangers are beginning to surge with confidence.
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