The art of losing

I'd nearly forgotten what it was like to lose a series. It hasn't happened since April 24, when the Rangers dropped their seventh straight game and second consecutive series. From that point until now, it's been a fun ride. Today was an unfortunate drop.

After a 5-3 loss in Tampa Bay, the Rangers are back below .500 -- the ever elusive milestone. The bad part about today is that the Rangers didn't get beat, they beat themselves. They had a 2-1 lead going into the bottom of the 5th, but Kason Gabbard gave up two quick singles and three walks. The bases were loaded with one out when Frankie Francisco took over. He got the second out but then walked in in another run. There were five walks total in this inning, and by the time it was all said and done, the Rays were on top 5-2.

I'm not sure if there was a rally turtle in the bullpen or not, but the Rangers attempted to right the ship in the top of the 9th. David Murphy had a one out single and then advanced to second on indifference. Brandon Boggs struck out, leaving the hopes on Frank Catalanotto's shoulders. He managed a single, which brought Murphy home, but then Jarrod Saltalamacchia lined out.

Now, to be fair, the Rays are 12-2 at home (with one loss each to the Yankees and Rangers). They also managed to sweep the AL West leading Angels. They're a tough team, but unlike Monday's loss in which the Rangers lost out to a tough pitcher, in today's loss, they pitched themselves into a loss.

Ah well...keep on keepin' on. Tomorrow's an off-day before the As come in for the weekend. Time to gain some ground in the West again.

KISS: Frank Catalanotto. He was 2 for 4 with one RBI. He was the only Ranger who managed multiple hits off Rays pitching.

MISS: Kason Gabbard. He only recorded two strikeouts while giving up five hits and -- the worst part -- six walks in just 4.1 innings.