The Skinny: James Shields led the the Tampa Bay Rays to 6-4 win over the Toronto Blue Jays. The Rays improved to 9-11 on the season and got some important contributions from position players to go along with Shields’ performance.
The Pitching: Shields dominated the Jays tonight, keeping their hitters off of balance. Shields went seven innings and gave up all four runs although only two of them were earned. Shields is now 2-1 on the season and his ERA is now 3.30. Dan Wheeler came on and pitched a 1-2-3 8th inning and Troy Percival slammed the door shut in the 9th inning to pick up his second save of the season.
The Hitting: Dioner Navarro made his return to the Rays line up tonight and went 3-4 with a pair of RBIs. Eric Hinske also went 3-4 and was a single short of the cycle, he had two RBIs and scored three runs as well. Carlos Pena took home the golden sombrero as went 0-4, striking out in every at bat. Rookie, Evan Longoria hit his second homer of the season as well to help lead the Rays to a win.
What’s Next?: The Rays and Jays have two games left in their series. Tomorrow night Jason Hammel will start for the Rays against former Cy Young Award winner, Roy Halladay.
