Rays swept by Indians as losing streak reaches 7
CLEVELAND (AP) -- Chris Archer can't seem to figure out the reason for his struggles this season.
Archer (4-10) allowed three runs in the first and four over six innings as the Rays lost their fifth straight game Wednesday night against the Indians, 6-1.
The issues have become so significant for the former All-Star that he's willing to change some of the things that have brought him success in the past.
"It's tough because for roughly four years in my major league career, I've had the same routine," Archer said. "Maybe I should change something up. I'll look into it."
Rays manager Kevin Cash believes that he's pinpointed the problem with Archer, who has a 4.70 ERA in 16 starts thus far.
That issue is Archer's inability to throw strikes early in the count.
"I don't think it's a mystery at all," Cash said. "When you're falling behind and you're facing big league hitters, they're taking advantage when they have the count in their favor."
Archer walked Carlos Santana to begin Wednesday's start, before Jason Kipnis pounded a home run over the center field wall in the next at-bat to give Cleveland a 2-0 lead.
Archer walked Francisco Lindor and allowed an RBI single to Jose Ramirez two batters later. The right-hander was disappointed to have padded his team-leading 39 walks while putting the Rays behind early.
"It is very frustrating, putting the team behind the eight ball," Archer said. "You're going to give up some homers here and there. The two walks in the first inning, that really hurt me."
The Indians scored just one more run off Archer, when Lonnie Chisenhall and Carlos Santana each doubled to give Cleveland a 4-0 lead in the fourth.
The Tampa Bay offense, meanwhile, was stymied for the second straight night by a stellar outing from a Cleveland starter.
Corey Kluber pitched a complete game shutout in Cleveland's 6-0 win on Tuesday and Trevor Bauer (5-2) allowed just one run in a complete game of his own on Wednesday. The Rays managed only three hits both nights.
Tampa Bay's lone run came in the seventh, when Corey Dickerson hit an RBI single to score Brad Miller.
After being swept by the Indians in this three-game series, the Rays are looking forward to an off day before facing Baltimore this weekend.
"I certainly am looking forward to it and if that helps us reset, that's OK," Cash said. "We probably do need to think about resetting some things."
LET'S PLAY TWO
The Rays will play a day-night doubleheader in Baltimore on Saturday. Matt Andriese will pitch the first game while Jake Odorizzi will start at night. Cash said no decision has been made about the 26th man for the doubleheader.
TRAINER'S ROOM
Rays: Manager Kevin Cash said INF Steve Pearce (strained right hamstring) could be out longer than two weeks. Pearce was injured Monday and placed on the 15-day DL.
Indians: OF Michael Brantley will be shut down for a few days after receiving a cortisone shot Tuesday. Brantley had surgery on his right shoulder in November and is also dealing with right biceps tendinitis.
UP NEXT
Rays: Following a day off Tampa Bay begins a three-game series in Baltimore on Friday. LHP Matt Moore (3-4), who has allowed nine homers in his last seven starts, goes in the opener.
Indians: After a day off Cleveland starts a three-game series in Detroit on Friday. RHP Danny Salazar (8-3) takes his 2.23 ERA, the second-lowest in the AL, into his 14th start of the season.
