In a dramatic turn of events at Coors Field, the Tampa Bay Rays' reliever Pete Fairbanks expressed frustration with the baseballs used in the game against the Colorado Rockies. Fairbanks attributed his struggles in the ninth inning to the variability of the balls, which he claimed were affected by the humidor at Coors Field.
The Rockies have had a humidor room at Coors Field since 2002 to regulate the moisture levels in baseballs due to the dry air in Denver. This adjustment can pose challenges for visiting teams, especially those coming from sea level like the Rays, who last played in Denver in 2016.
During the ninth inning, Fairbanks issued three consecutive walks, setting the stage for Ryan McMahon's walk-off grand slam that secured a 10-7 victory for the Rockies. Despite his criticism of the baseballs, Fairbanks acknowledged that his performance was not up to par and took responsibility for his inability to adjust to the conditions.
Following the game, Fairbanks described the baseballs as 'horrible' and noted that they lacked uniformity in texture and feel. He emphasized that his control issues were primarily his own fault and expressed a desire for better quality balls in future games.
Despite the disappointing outcome, the Rays had mounted a comeback in the ninth inning, erasing a four-run deficit to briefly take the lead before McMahon's game-winning hit. Fairbanks' struggles highlighted the importance of command and adaptability in high-pressure situations.
As the Rays look ahead to their next game, Fairbanks and his teammates will aim to make the necessary adjustments to perform at their best, regardless of the playing conditions. The unique challenges presented by Coors Field serve as a reminder of the diverse factors that can influence the outcome of a baseball game.
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