The Tampa Bay Rays are returning to Tropicana Field facing a 2-0 deficit in the World Series against the Milwaukee Brewers . And while Tampa Bay has had opportunities to win both games, costly mistakes have played a significant role in putting the team in this difficult situation.
The Rays have lost both contests by just one run. However, it hasn't simply been Milwaukee's pitching and offense causing problems.
Tampa Bay has struggled with its own execution, and those mistakes need to be corrected immediately if the Rays hope to turn the series around.
Perhaps the most frustrating example came during Game 1.
Victor Mesa Jr. made a costly baserunning mistake attempting to advance to third base with two outs and Yandy Díaz at the plate.
The decision eliminated a potential scoring opportunity in a contest Tampa Bay eventually lost 3-2.
Unfortunately, those issues continued Saturday.
Jonathan Aranda struggled defensively, including a fielding error that helped Milwaukee cut into Tampa Bay's early advantage.
The Rays also lost another scoring opportunity when third base coach Brady Williams sent Liam Hicks home against Jackson Chourio's arm.
Hicks was thrown out at the plate, preventing Tampa Bay from extending its lead.
And considering the Rays eventually lost 5-4, those missed opportunities become even more frustrating.
However, the mistakes haven't been limited to defense and baserunning.
Tampa Bay's bullpen has also struggled, raising questions about Kevin Cash's decisions throughout the first two games.
Ian Seymour surrendered a game-tying home run to Sal Frelick in Game 2 before Kevin Kelly allowed the go-ahead RBI single to Cooper Pratt.
While Seymour's appearance made sense considering Milwaukee's left-handed hitters, I think Cash needs to reconsider how he utilizes his most dependable relievers.
Especially with Bryan Baker still waiting to make his first World Series appearance.
And while the bullpen deserves criticism, Tampa Bay's offense hasn't done enough to help.
The Rays scored four runs in the first inning Saturday but failed to score again.
Milwaukee's bullpen has consistently shut down Tampa Bay's lineup, preventing the Rays from capitalizing on opportunities to extend leads or complete comebacks.
That simply cannot continue.
The Brewers have taken advantage of Tampa Bay's mistakes throughout the series. Unfortunately, the Rays haven't consistently done the same when Milwaukee gives them opportunities.
And with Game 3 scheduled for Monday night at Tropicana Field, Tampa Bay needs to start playing considerably cleaner baseball.
The Rays don't necessarily need to be perfect to beat Milwaukee.
However, they cannot continue making mistakes that give the Brewers additional opportunities.
Especially with their World Series hopes now on the line.
