The Tampa Bay Rays ran into a buzz saw last night in AJ Burnett. The Blue Jays hurler absolutely shut down the Rays offense and helped lead the Jays to a 3-1 over their AL East rival. The Rays record is now 61-44.
James Shields started for the Rays and pitched pretty well, even though he ended up with a loss. Shields lasted 7.1 innings and gave up three earned runs. Shields showed off his trademark control as he allowed only five hits and walked no one. Shields is now 9-7 this season.
The Rays took the lead early in the third inning on a Carlos Pena ground out. It would be their only run of the game. Burnett went seven innings and struck out 10 batters. Akinori Iwamura, BJ Upton, and Carl Crawford all struck out twice. Every Rays starts struck out at least once except for Eric Hinske and Jason Bartlett.
The Rays and Jays will play again on Tuesday night in Toronto. Game time is 7:07pm. Matt Garza is scheduled to start for Tampa Bay.
