In the battle of Florida, the first one that amounts to anything, the Tampa Bay Rays came out on top. This is the first time the two teams have met when they both have had winning records. The Rays won 7-3 and upped their record to 39-28.
The Rays got a decent performance out of starter Andy Sonnanstine. He lasted only 5.1 innings and gave up three runs but was still able to pick up his seventh win of the season. Sonnanstine had decent control as he walked no one and struck out five, he just struggled a little against the potent Florida line up. Troy Percival came on in the ninth in his return from the the disabled list. He struck out two in the ninth, a non-save situation.
The Marlins got two in the first inning to go up 2-0. However, the Rays the runs right back in the bottom of the first on an Eric Hinske 2-RBI double. Four different Rays had at least two hits while Jason Bartlett led the way with three hits and two stolen bases. The Rays could have put some more runs on the board as they left 10 men on base to end innings.
The Rays and Marlins will meet again this evening as the Rays try to take the first two games of this three game series. Matt Garza will start tonight for the Rays. Game time is 6:10pm.
