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Marc Topkin's takeaways from Thursday's Rays-Orioles game

 
Published Sept. 22, 2017

The Rays still talk about having a shot to make the playoffs. But recognizing and correcting mistakes will help them next year, such as Mallex Smith trying to steal third in the first. "Those are the little things we've got to find how to eliminate real quick," manager Kevin Cash said.

Give RHP Matt Andriese credit. After pitching really bad in the first, giving up three runs as he was working more on settling in than getting outs, he pitched really well after that. He got through six innings with no more runs, so thus a quality start.

RHP Alex Cobb's No. 1 priority tonight is doing what he can to help the Rays win the game, but the reality is he's also pitching to improve his standing and thus the size of his reward in the free agent market. At 11-10, 3.63, a couple of more solid starts could be a nice boost.