James Shields pitched 6 2/3 innings scattering 9 hits, 3 ER and 5 K’s. Shields clearly didn’t have his best stuff working on every pitch but he did effectively shut done the Mariner offense to earn a victory.
The Ray offense was on target through out this game banging out 10 hits, grabbing 3 free passes with only 3 K’s. Carlos Pena belted another solo shot to bring his season total to 21. BJ Upton swiped his team leading 35th bag. Not a lot of dramatics in this game. Rays took the lead with the help of a throwing error from the Mariner SS and never looked back.
This win combined with losses by both the Red Legs and those that wear pinstripes allowed the Rays to open a little more of a margin in the standings. This is an extremely important road trip for the Rays. The Rays are playing 3 teams that they should beat. Our AL East foes are playing teams that may give them some problems. Need to rack up those wins when we can/should and widen the gap at the top of the AL East. Winning on this trip will also increase the Rays confidence in playing on the road. That’ll be a nice advantage come Sept/Oct.
