McCarthy takes loss, Dodgers fall 3-1 to Tampa Bay Rays
LOS ANGELES (AP) - Brandon McCarthy was off to another outstanding start in his comeback from Tommy John surgery until the Southern California heat wore him down in the fourth inning.
The Los Angeles Dodgers' offense wilted even more conspicuously.
Matt Moore pitched four-hit ball into the seventh inning, Evan Longoria hit a two-run homer and Tampa Bay won at Dodger Stadium for the first time, 3-1 Wednesday.
McCarthy (2-1) lasted just four innings in his first loss since Sept. 23, 2014, and his first in a Dodgers uniform. He allowed four hits and three runs with seven strikeouts in the shortest start of his otherwise strong comeback.
The Dodgers pulled McCarthy after 83 pitches, but the right-hander said his repaired arm wasn't the reason.
"It was actually kind of a body letdown," McCarthy said. "You can fool yourself for a while. 'I can keep going, I can keep going.' But eventually (the heat) sucks it out of you."
After managing just one single in the first three innings, the Rays jumped on McCarthy in the fourth. Brad Miller chipped a leadoff double down the right-field line and scored on Longoria's 23rd homer of the season, his first at Dodger Stadium, on a full-count breaking ball down the middle.
"This is the first time Brandon has thrown on regular rest," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. "I just wanted to be mindful of him coming back (for) his fifth inning. He was right there at that (pitch) number where I felt was good. Overall, I thought he threw the ball well, but Longoria got a good swing on it."
The Dodgers' three-game winning streak ended with a meager offensive effort. Howie Kendrick had two of Los Angeles' five hits, all singles.
Much of that was due to Moore (7-7). The left-hander performed admirably against the Dodgers, who are thought to be interested in several Tampa Bay starters with the trade deadline looming.
Moore looked ready for a pennant race, striking out five and only allowing an unearned run.
"I'm here (with the Rays), and it doesn't feel like I'm going anywhere," said Moore, who also walked four.
Luke Maile had an RBI double in a three-run fourth inning as Tampa Bay wrapped up a nine-game West Coast road swing by snapping a four-game skid.
The Rays (39-61) still have the majors' third-worst record and the team's worst mark after 100 games since 2007.
"Since the All-Star break, we've played a lot closer to the true colors of our team," Moore said.
The Rays were swept in a three-game series at Chavez Ravine in 2013, the only other time they've visited the Dodgers' hallowed home turf.
QUITE A STEAL
The Dodgers had an early lead thanks to the first stolen base in the 537-game big-league career of catcher A.J. Ellis.
Joc Pederson walked in the second inning and advanced to third on Ellis' single. When Ellis unexpectedly broke for second moments later, Maile tried to throw him out - but the ball got away for an error, allowing Pederson to score.
Clayton Kershaw apparently made sure the Dodgers grabbed second base as a souvenir for Ellis, who has spent his entire nine-year career with Los Angeles.
Last winter, Roberts promised an expensive dinner to Ellis if he stole a base.
"I think he was pretty pleased," Roberts said. "Big steak dinner."
BIG CATCH
Logan Morrison ended the seventh inning in spectacular fashion, tumbling into the stands to grab a foul pop by Kendrick.
"I thought it was going to go (out of play)," Kendrick said. "Great play by him."
Morrison dislodged a large protective pad from the railing down the first-base line, but hung on to the ball while falling backward onto the concrete.
"With the high sky and the sun, I was just trying to keep my eye on the ball," Morrison said. "I didn't know where the wall was. I knew it hit my glove, so I was just hoping it stayed in."
TRAINER'S ROOM
Rays: Morrison was pulled from the lineup shortly after his catch, but manager Kevin Cash said it was strictly a tactical decision.
Dodgers: OF Yasiel Puig sat out again with an injured right hamstring. He hasn't played since last Friday, but isn't on the disabled list.
UP NEXT
Rays: Jake Odorizzi (4-5, 4.10 ERA) is coming off the longest scoreless start of his career when Tampa Bay hosts the New York Yankees on Friday.
Dodgers: After a day off, Kenta Maeda (9-7, 3.25 ERA) takes the mound Friday for the opener of a weekend home series against Arizona.