The Tampa Bay Rays brought their big bats and big swings to Texas on Friday night. The Rays put up 12 runs on the Rangers pitching staff and Scott Kazmir led the way on the mound for the Rays as they won 12-4. The win gets the Rays back on the winning track and ups their record to 36-25.
Kazmir started for the Rays and won again as he went eight innings. In his eight innings he allowed only two runs (though that raised his ERA) and struck out six Ranger hitters. The win moves Kazmir to an impressive 6-1 this season. Al Reyes pitched the ninth and gave up two runs, though it didn’t at all effect the outcome of the game.
The Rays scored six runs in the first eight innings and tagged on six more in the ninth inning alone. Every Rays regular had a hit except for Cliff Floyd while five hitters had two hits a piece. The Rays slugged four home runs: A solo shot from Evan Longoria, a solo shot from BJ Upton, a two run homer for Dioner Navarro, and a two run homer from Eric Hinske.
The Rays and Rangers will meet again on Saturday night in Texas. Andy Sonnanstine will start for the Rays. Game time is 8:05.
