They had a 7 run lead – that it got blown is more credit to the RS than a mark against the Rays. The RS have an explosive offense that has been quite for most of this series. Helluva time to wakeup.

Had this been an elimination game for the Rays, I think it would have played out differently. However, since they still hold a significant series advantage I mostly agree with Maddon’s approach.

I’m confident Maddon would have been burning bullpen arms left and right had it been elimination.