The Skinny: The Rays took out of three from the Orioles to take over first place in the AL East. They got some quality starting pitching once again and were able to get some timely runs to win the game 4-2. The Rays are now 16-12 on the season.
The Pitching: Matt Garza started for the Rays and helped prove that he deserves a spot in their starting rotation. Garza threw six strong innings giving up only two runs and striking out 3. Garza allowed only three hits. Dan Wheeler threw a perfect seventh and eighth inning and Troy Percival threw a perfect ninth for his sixth save. Wheeler’s ERA on the season is only 1.20 while Percival has yet to allow a run this season.
The Hitting: The Rays took a 2-0 lead in the fourth inning when Jonny Gomes hit a solo home run, his third of the season. The Orioles came back to tie the game at 2 but the Rays came charging back in the seventh inning. With runners on base, Carl Crawford singled to center field and scored two runs, putting the Rays up 4-2. Crawford had two hits on the night and had a run scored to go with his two RBI.
What’s Next?: The Rays will open up a three game series in Boston against the Red Sox on Friday night. These two teams are tied for first in the AL East. Edwin Jackson will start on Friday night. Game time is 7:05pm.
