Because of the way the roster is constructed, the Rays were anticipating a lot of close games. Fourteen games into the season, they’ve had nine outcomes decided by one or two runs. And they’re 3-6 in those games. Maybe that’s a sign that the plan is working and they just need a few more breaks to go their way.

Technically, the decisive moment in the Rays’ 5-4 loss to the Braves on Saturday afternoon came in the ninth inning. Having already used four relievers, with top bullpen arms Pete Fairbanks and Mason Montgomery unavailable,