Matt Garza threw a gem against the Boston Red Sox to clinch the series victory Wednesday afternoon. Garza threw a very strong 7 complete innings to earn his first W. The only inning Garza ever faced any trouble was the 6th in which he gave up a lead off 2B which would score 2 hitters later on a 3B before recording the final 2 outs of the inning. His control was excellent aside from the 2 pitches he left up in the zone in the 6th. His line was 7 innings, 5 K’s, 3 BB and 1 ER. I have to admit knowing how intense and pumped up Matt can get I was expecting a shaky first inning before he’d settle down. Garza never showed any negativity on the mound. His mound presence was intense but controlled. He was very impressive today!
The Rays offense also had a nice showing chasing Dice-K after only 5 1/3 innings. The Rays were banging the ball all over Fenway! Offensively we knocked out 10 total hits 7 of which were for extra bases! Matt Joyce began the scoring in the 2nd inning with his first blast of the season. Evan Longoria followed with a 2 run shot in the 3rd. Shawn Riggans added to the scoring by sending out a beautiful opposite field blast in the 4th.
Shawn Riggans got the call behind the dish today and called an excellent game!
The bullpen had a bit of a hiccup giving up 2 runs in only 2 innings pitched. Brian Shouse gave up one manufactured run but, in my opinion, the big blow came in the 9th when Troy Percival entered the game. Percy came on and gave up a blast to Varitek on the 2nd pitch he threw. He then enticed 2 outs but allowed a free pass to Ortiz bringing the game winning run to the plate in the form of Youkilis, something I’m sure many Ray fans were not too comfortable with. He eventually ended the game when Youkilis flew out to deep CF but it was not pretty.
First series victory in the books and a HUGE start to the season. Now off to Baltimore where the Orioles are playing some tight baseball. Should be a very exciting series!
See you in Camden Yards!
