The Tampa Bay Rays (22-27) started a three-game series against the Kansas City Royals (28-22) in Kansas City Monday night.
The Royals defeated the Rays 6-2 when Eric Hosmer hit a three-run homer after Lorenzo Cain drove in the go-ahead run in a four-run eighth inning.
This win for the Royals continued their hot streak as they have now won eight of their last nine games and brings their overall record against the Rays to 21-6 since June 2012.
This is the eighth loss for the Rays in the past ten games. Steven Pearce the Rays second basemen says they are in a funk and are trying to get back on track.
Manager Kevin Cash discusses @RaysBaseball's 9-1 loss to the @Marlins. #MLBhttps://t.co/GNfxX3p8Mu
— Bally Sports Florida & Bally Sports Sun (@BallySportsFL) May 26, 2016
Matt Andriese, Rays starting pitcher Monday night, threw seven innings giving up two runs on five hits and two walks with three strikeouts. Andriese says this was a tough loss for them.
After Andriese pitched seven innings the Rays put in relief pitcher Erasmo Ramirez who was pulled after allowing the four runs in the eighth inning. Ramirez says he has to turn the page after blowing this game.
Drew Smyly will start on the mound for the Rays on Tuesday night and will battle it out with the Royals starting pitcher Dillon Gee.
Gee hopes to extend the Royals winning streak to five games while Smyly hopes to get the Rays back on track and tie up the series.
The Rays will play the Royals again Tuesday night at 8:15 p.m. and will be aired live on ESPN Gainesville 95.3 FM starting at 7:30 p.m. as well as Fox Sun Sports.