Cobb Looks His Best, Defense Shines In Rays Win Over Red Sox

Cobb and Colome Combine To Shutout Boston

Last year, Rays’ catchers combined to hit 18 homers and drive in 55 runs. Today, Jesus Sucre‘s sacrifice fly in the second inning was the 55th RBI by Rays’ catchers this season. IT was also the only run they needed on the day as Alex Cobb and Alex Colome combined to shut out the Red Sox 1-0.

Alex Cobb (7-6, 3.75 ERA) worked 7 2/3 scoreless innings allowing just two hits while striking out three and walking one. He threw 111 pitches with 67 for strikes. He faced 27 batters with 16 first pitch strikes. Alex Colome worked the final 1 1/3 innings and got out of a bases loaded one out jam in the top of the ninth to pick up his 24th save on the season.

It marked the third shutout of the year for the Rays. It was the fifth time in franchise history that the only run of the 1-0 win scored on a sacrifice fly.

Rick Porcello (4-11, 4.75 ERA) took the loss working eight innings allowing just the one run. The Red Sox lost for the third time in their last four games and fall to 50-38 on the year, but remain in first place in the AL East.

The Win:

“Just an exciting game. The electricity in the stadium and the ability to work deep into the game.” Cobb said afterward. “There are so many good tings to point out from tonight. What the defense was able to do behind me. Hechi [Hechavarria] is making probably two of the top 10 plays of the night for SportsCenter.”

With the win, the Rays improve to 46-43 on the season and are guaranteed to finish the first half over .500 for the eighth time in the past 10 seasons.  The victory evened the season series with Boston at 5-5.

The 1-0 victory was the first such win since August 20, 2015 against the Houston Astros. In that game, Chris Archer threw a complete game striking out 11 in the win.

The last 1-0 win over the Red Sox was on May 23, 2014. Chris Archer started that game but it was Juan Carlos Oviedo who picked up the win. Cole Figueroa, now working with the Rays’ front office, delivered a walk-off double off former Rays’ pitcher Burke Badenhop for the win.

Hechavarria Stellar Defense:

Rays shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria made two tremendous plays. The first came in the top of the second inning when he made a leaping grab to snare a line drive off the bat off Hanley Ramirez.  The second ended the fifth inning as he laid out to nearly grab a low liner off the bat of Sandy Leon. He was able to grab the ball and fire a bullet to first to nab Leon.

After the game Hechavarria said that he doesn’t practice making those type of plays. “When I’m playing defense, I want to take over. I want to be the guy who makes the big plays.” He said. “I want to help the team win. And you guys saw it today.”

Alex Cobb said, “those plays don’t get made.” Adding, “it’s not real. When you’re on the mound you feel like you hit the lotto.”

“I don’t think people realize how much, it is just an out, but it’s so much more than that.”

Up Next For Rays:

Chris Archer (7-5, 3.95 ERA) will take the mound against his close friend David Price (4-2, 4.02 ERA).