Rays Leave Texas With a Split Before Huge Series Against Braves

The Tampa Bay Rays couldn't clinch the series and settled for a split with the Texas Rangers over the weekend, as they lost the final game in Arlington, 8-6 at Globe Life Field. 

Although the team picked up the loss, they still hold a four-game lead in the American League East standings, as the New York Yankees also fell on Sunday afternoon. 

Here is what you need to know for the contest. 

The Rays' pitching allowed three home runs in the contest and ultimately was the dagger for losing the series finale. 

Ian Seymour got the start as he made his Second straight appearance without Kevin Cash using an opener, and efficiency was a problem. 

Seymour only lasted three innings in the contest and allowed three earned runs on five hits, including two home runs from Rangers hitters. Both Long balls came from Jake Burger in the second and fourth innings off Seymour. The Rays' left-hander struggled to find the plate, as he threw only 49 strikes in 75 total pitches. 

It wasn't the best day for the bullpen Either, but still, some positives are worth mentioning. 

Ty Johnson, one of the top pitching prospects in the Rays organization, made his MLB debut in the bottom of the seventh inning on Sunday and had a great first outing. Across 14 pitches, he struck out two batters, walked one, and began his MLB career in a scoreless relief attempt. 

It was one of those days at the plate where the Tampa Bay Rays did enough to win the baseball game, but it just didn't happen. 

The Rays picked up 10 hits and only struck out 4, and found themselves on base often, including an extra four-base on balls. The biggest issue was the lack of extra-base hits, although they did find themselves pushing the base paths on Sunday against the Rangers, as Jonathan Aranda was the only player on the team to record a double. 

The Rays finished 4 for 11 with runners in scoring position, and although they scored six runs, they were blanked in the final two innings when it certainly counted the most. 

Fans could surely see a World Series preview this week as the Tampa Bay Rays head to Atlanta to take on the Braves for a three-game set. As the Rays enter with the best record in the American League, the Braves hold the same number of wins at 85-58, leading the National League East and holding the third-best record in the NL. Atlanta is 7-3 in their last 10 games and is currently coming off a victory against the Philadelphia Phillies. 

Freddy Peralta will take the mound for the Tampa Bay as he looks for his eighth win of the season and continued confidence and consistency on the mound since being traded from the New York Mets earlier this summer. He will face right-hander Bryce Elder for the Braves, who is coming off one of his worst starts of the season, allowing five earned runs and two home runs against the struggling San Francisco Giants.

Tampa Bay will be off on Monday as the Braves will finish the series with the Phillies before welcoming in the Rays. First Pitch Tuesday is scheduled for 7:15 pm Eastern.