What's Happening?
The Tampa Bay Rays continued their challenging road performance with a 5-1 loss to the Los Angeles Angels in Anaheim, California. This marks the Rays' 11th loss in their last 12 road games. Ryan Pepiot, who is experiencing a personal slump, will attempt to lead the Rays in the next game against Angels' right-hander Jose Soriano. Pepiot has a 2-0 record with a 3.27 ERA in previous starts against the Angels. The Angels, with a two-run homer from Jo Adell and a strong start by Yusei Kikuchi, have surpassed the Rays in the American League wild-card standings.
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Why It's Important?
The Rays' continued road struggles could impact their chances in the American League wild-card race. With the Angels now ahead in the standings, the Rays need to improve their performance to remain competitive. The team's inability to secure wins on the road may affect their playoff aspirations, especially as they face a challenging two-week, 12-game West Coast trip. The Angels' recent victories have positioned them closer to securing a wild-card spot, trailing the Yankees and Seattle by five games.
What's Next?
The Rays will need to regroup and focus on improving their road performance to stay in contention for the playoffs. Ryan Pepiot's upcoming start against the Angels will be crucial in determining if the Rays can break their losing streak. The Angels, on the other hand, will aim to maintain their momentum and continue climbing the wild-card standings.
