We've come to expect the unlikely when the Jays play the Rays, who have won the last three series between the teams. Twice this year, it's been arch-nemesis Joe Kennedy (6-0, 3.56 vs. Toronto in his career; 12-27 and over 5.00 against everyone else) continuing his strange mastery, which I swear will end tomorrow.

Back in April, tonight's starter Mark Hendrickson was cruising along with a shutout through seven, only to lose 4-3 on a succession of bloops and seeing-eye flares in the eighth. Five days ago at SkyDome, Lurch was hit harder -- including a broken bat off his leg -- while the Jays blasted about a dozen frozen ropes right at the Tampa outfielders; the final was 7-6, completing the most frustrating sweep imaginable.


Last night's debacle may indeed have been rock bottom, as some writers and commentators are saying, the low point of a wildly up-and-down campaign that is right on the .500 mark with 50 games to play. I sure hope so. One reason to anticipate better things tonight is pride; the hitters will be determined to atone for leaving so many runners stranded.

Jorge Sosa was incredibly lucky to survive 5.1 innings last week; he threw over 100 pitches and walked five, but because of the "atom balls," gave up just three hits. The guy is 6-15, 5.23 in his career, and that fluky win makes him 2-2, 5.87 against the Jays. It's time for the Law of Averages to assert itself.

Something must be wrong with Greg Myers; badly slumping Tom Wilson is the catcher, even though it should be his turn against the lefty tomorrow. Dave Berg, of all people, is the DH, so this must be the one day per week when Josh Phelps is supposed to sit. Carlos Delgado is limping out to first base again; he's played good "D" most of the year, but has been tentative in the field lately. Mike Bordick is 20-for-47 (.426) during his 13-game hitting streak, so you know he'll be in the 2-hole for a while.