Clinging to slim playoff hopes, Rays seek series win vs. A's

(Photo credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports)
Two consecutive victories in Oakland have moved Tampa Bay two games above .500 and 6 1/2 games out of the final American League wild-card spot. It's reasonable to think the mood among the Rays could be upbeat ahead of the series-ending matinee on Thursday.

That's not quite the case.

Late in their 4-2 win against the A's on Wednesday night in the third game of a four-game