Game Story: Rays 16, Braves 5

Maybe you've heard the song, written by Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits and also sung by Mary-Chapin Carpenter:
"Sometimes you're the windshield
Sometimes you're the bug."
Unfortunately, the Braves were the bug on the windshield of the speeding Rays in a 16-5 playoff loss Tuesday afternoon at Water Tower Park.
The Rays jumped out early and, after a short Braves rally, pulled away steadily. Their defense was spectacular, as they made outstanding catches of several balls hit hard by the Braves.
A couple of Braves bright spots: Chris crushed a 3-run homer to right-center in the final inning. Liam deftly slid under a tag attempt at third base to avoid getting caught stealing.
Season's not over! Playoffs continue: This is a double-elimination playoff tournament, so the Braves have at least one more game (and I am hoping they will play several more). After the loss Tuesday, Coach Dave exhorted team members to bring their passion and focus to the next game.
It's at 4 p.m. Thursday July 9 at Water Tower vs. the Cubs. Players should be at Water Tower at 3 p.m. for practice.
A team party will follow Thursday's game at the Scobey-Polacheck home from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. I'll post the details on that separately.
Let's go Braves!