Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Tampa Bay Rays Earn Extra Inning Win Against Toronto Blue Jays

The Game: The Tampa Bay Rays rallied in the late innings to secure a 3-2 extra innings victory over the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday afternoon at Charlotte Sports Park. The Blue Jays took the lead early and it wasn't until the inning before the Rays could tie the game. They pushed across a run in the bottom of the tenth to earn the walk-off win and extend the winning streak to two games.

The Blue Jays took the lead in the first inning with a solo home run by Rajai Davis to lead off the game. Then in the second inning, David Cooper scored on a ground ball by Adeiny Hechavarria to put the Jays ahead 2-0.

The Rays cut the lead in half with a solo home run by Dan Johnson in the seventh inning.

The Rays then tied the game in the bottom of the ninth inning. Nevin Ashley led off the inning with a line drive single to right field. He would later score on an RBI triple by Robinson Chirinos to tie the game 2-2.

The tied did not last long as the Rays pushed the winning run across the plate in the tenth inning. Chris Carter doubled to left to lead of the inning. Justin Ruggiano then delivered a two out single that scored Carter to win the game 3-2.

James Shields started the game and allowed both runs in 3 1/3 innings. From that point on, the bullpen finished the game without allowing another run and only two hits. RJ Swindle, Kyle Farnsworth, Joel Peralta, Cesar Cabral and Brandon Gomes all pitched no-hit innings while Adam Russell was the only reliever to allow a hit. Gomes picked up the victory.

RP Top Prospect Watch:
Tim Beckham: 0 for 2.
Robinson Chirinos:2 for 2 and knocked home the tying run with an RBI triple.
Desmond Jennings: 0 for 3.

A Look Ahead: The Rays (3-7-1) will split squad on Wednesday. Half of the squad will remain in Port Charlotte to rematch the Blue Jays (4-6). Jeff Niemann is scheduled to start for the Rays with Cory Wade, Dane De La Rosa, Jake McGee, Cesar Ramos and Chris Archer also scheduled to pitch.

The other squad will travel to St. Pete for a game at the old spring training home of the Rays, Progress Energy Park where they will play the Netherlands National team. Chris Bootcheck will start for the Rays with Jonah Bayliss, Richard De Los Santos, Dirk Hayhurst and Brian Baker scheduled to pitch.

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