Zobrist's two-run homer ends Rays' skid
ST. PETERSBURG (AP) — Ben Zobrist hit a two-run homer and James Shields allowed one run over seven innings to help the Tampa Bay Rays snap a seven-game losing streak with a 2-1 win over the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday night.
Zobrist hit his fourth homer of the season off A.J. Burnett (10-9) to give the Rays a 2-1 lead in the seventh. The two-out shot came after third base umpire Mike Everitt ruled Eric Hinske checked his swing on a 3-2 pitch to draw a walk.
Shields (8-6) gave up four hits, two walks and had four strikeouts for Tampa Bay, which started Friday a half-game behind AL East-leading Boston.
Grant Balfour got the final four outs for his fourth save.
Six of Tampa Bay's losses during the skid came on the road. Friday's victory improved the Rays' home record to 37-14.
Burnett also went seven innings, giving up two runs and five hits. He had won his two previous starts.
Toronto has lost six of seven games against Tampa Bay this season.
Adam Lind put the Blue Jays ahead 1-0 on a solo homer in the third. He has four homers and 17 RBIs in 18 games since being recalled from Triple-A Syracuse on June 21.
Tampa Bay went 5-for-53 with runners in scoring position over the previous seven games and failed to convert on five more chances during the first two innings. They didn't have any chances with runners on after that.
Rays principal owner Stuart Sternberg talked with his team before batting practice. Tampa Bay finished in last place nine times in its first 10 years.
"We have a chance for an incredible two months," Sternberg said.
(Pictured: Dioner Navarro, left, and Ben Zobrist, right. Times photo -- Dirk Shadd. Click to enlarge.)
Follow Tampa Bay Rays baseball from spring training to the World Series with Marc Topkin, Joe Smith and the St. Petersburg Times sports staff. From Evan Longoria to B.J. Upton and James Shields, we're your source for Tampa Bay Rays scores and schedules.
I want an everyday RF..........please get Jason Bay here immediately.
Posted by: Bill | July 19, 2008 at 02:32 PM
Us fans can't trash talk too much. When this team starts winning on the road, then the fans can trash talk. Let their play do the trash talking. The Rays can win at home and shaky on the road. Just like the Red Sox. The Red Sox have the worst winning percentage on the road than the Rays.
Get a RF that can hit, another reliever, and some depth on the bench.
Posted by: Edgar | July 19, 2008 at 02:23 PM
Sux bandwagon fans post about 50 post a day when they are ahead.......and about 2 when they are in 2nd.....
Typical Sux fans.
Posted by: Bill | July 19, 2008 at 12:40 PM
"Where is Boston trolls now?"
We is reading you babbling excitements with amusement.
Posted by: Sully | July 19, 2008 at 12:06 PM
I just want to let all of you know I live Maine, I deal with Sawx fans every day (I am not one) and watching you guys finally get your due is just tremendous. Keep up the funny posts, Sawx fans hate it....
Posted by: Matty | July 19, 2008 at 11:24 AM
Where is Boston trolls now? Bandwagon trolls suck!
Posted by: BIll | July 19, 2008 at 08:34 AM
Dont that just piz in ya chowda there botox fans? Rays lose 7 in a row, win one and balabing... back in 1st place. all is good.
Posted by: db | July 19, 2008 at 07:30 AM
OMG LIK TEH RAYZ ARE IN 1RST PLACE WHUT NOW BOSTUN?!
SEEZUN OVAR!!!!!!! CUZ IT'S A HALVE GAME AND NO 1 EVAR COMES BACK FROM DAT!!!!
Posted by: A guy using the logic of a Boston fan satirically | July 19, 2008 at 12:43 AM
A great win for a team that really needed one. But, we've got to start producing more runs!
Posted by: Hank | July 19, 2008 at 12:04 AM