The Tampa Bay Rays turned in one of their most impressive series of the season as they finished off a sweep of the Chicago Cubs. The Rays used a seven run seventh to beat the Cubs by a score of 8-3. The Rays upped their record to 43-29 on the season.
James Shields made his first start following his suspension and threw an excellent game. Shields lasted 6.1 games and struck out nine batters. However, he did allow seven hits and three runs and received a no-decision. Grant Balfour picked up the win after throwing 1.2 innings of scoreless relief. Balfour is now 2-0 on the season and his ERA is now below 2.00.
The big blow in the seven run seventh inning for the Rays was a Carl Crawford grand slam. Crawford led the Rays with three hits while no other Rays batter managed more than one. Eric Hinske doubled, drove in a run and scored two to help the Rays offense. Every Rays starter had at least one hit except for Gabe Gross who went 0-3.
The Rays will stay at home and welcome another NL Central team to town in the Houston Astros. Matt Garza will start for the Rays as he searches for his sixth win of the season. Game time is 7:10pm.
