4/8 - Orioles (2-4) @ Rays (5-1): Game 3

Adam Loewen: (1 - 0), 2.25 ERA vs. Andy Sonnanstine: (0 - 1), 3.38 ERA

ST. PETERSBURG -- The Rays have now won six games in a row, winning the first three games of four against the Baltimore Orioles in this home series. Carlos Pena supplied all the offense for the Rays, hitting two home runs; a two-run shot in the first, and a solo homer in the sixth. In back-to-back games, the Rays starting pitchers have pitched complete game shutouts, today being Andy Sonnanstine with an eight-hit complete game shutout for his first win of the season.

Final Score:
Orioles: 0
Rays: 3


Adam Loewen (L, 1-1): 8 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

Freddie Bynum: 2-4, 2B


Andy Sonnanstine (W, 1-1): 9 IP, 8 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

Akinori Iwamura: 2-4, 2B, R
Carlos Pena: 2-3, 2 HR (3), 3 RBI, 2 R
Evan Longoria: 1-3, 2B

4/7 - Orioles (2-3) @ Rays (4-1): Game 2

Daniel Cabrera: (0 - 0), 7.71 ERA vs. James Shields: (0 - 0), 2.16 ERA

ST. PETERSBURG -- The Rays continue their winning streak with a win over the Orioles thanks to a great start by James Shields. Rocco Baldelli knocked in the first run of the game in the fourth with an RBI single. B.J. Upton then hit a solo home run in the fifth to go up by two, and Dioner Navarro batted in the Rays' third and final run of the game in the sixth with an RBI single. James Shields was terrific, pitching a complete game shutout, although having difficulty with it having given up eleven hits.

Final Score:
Orioles: 0
Rays: 3


Daniel Cabrera (L, 0-1): 8 IP, 12 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 2 K

Brian Roberts: 2-4
Nick Markakis: 2-3
Luke Scott: 3-4, 3B


James Shields (W, 1-0): 9 IP, 11 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

B.J. Upton: 2-4, HR (4), RBI, R
Carl Crawford: 3-4, 2B, 2 R
Dioner Navarro: 2-4, RBI
Rocco Baldelli: 2-3, RBI

4/6 - Orioles (2-2) @ Rays (3-1): Game 1

Troy Patton: (0 - 0), 5.40 ERA vs. Hideo Nomo: (- - -), -.-- ERA

ST. PETERSBURG -- The Rays are on a four game winning streak, taking game one of three at home against the Orioles. The Rays jumped on Troy Patton early in the first, Evan Longoria belting a three-run homer to left for an early three-run lead. The Rays then got three more in the second with an RBI single by Rocco Baldelli, an RBI double by Jason Bartlett, and a sacrifice groundout by B.J. Upton, scoring Jason Bartlett from third. The Orioles countered that three-run inning with three of their own in the third. Nick Markakis hit an RBI single, and Aubrey Huff came up with a two-run single. Jason Bartlett belted a solo home run in th fourth to go up by four on the Orioles. Freddie Bynum knocked in a run in the seventh with a single, and Ramon Hernandez smashed a solo shot in the eighth to rip the Rays lead to two, but the Rays came up with another three-run inning in the bottom of the eighth. Jason Bartlett belted an RBI triple. He would go four-for-four, coming just a single shy of the cycle. Akinori Iwamura and B.J. Upton hit back-to-back RBI doubles to give the Rays a five run lead as the Rays defeat the Orioles in this opening game of this series.

Final Score:
Orioles: 5
Rays: 10


Troy Patton (L, 1-1): 3.1 IP, 8 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
Chris Ray: 3 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
Jim Hoey: 1.2 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

Brian Roberts: 1-5, R
Freddie Bynum: 3-5, RBI, R, 2 K
Nick Markakis: 1-3, RBI
Aubrey Huff: 1-4, 2 RBI
Ramon Hernandez: 2-4, HR (1), RBI, R
Norton*: 1-4, R
Adam Jones: 3-4, R


Hideo Nomo (W, 1-0): 7.1 IP, 11 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
Dan Wheeler: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
Troy Percival: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

Akinori Iwamura: 3-5, 2B, RBI, R
B.J. Upton: 2-5, 2B, 2 RBI, R, K
Carlos Pena: 1-5, R
Evan Longoria: 1-4, HR (2), 3 RBI, R, K
Dioner Navarro: 1-4, 3B, R
Rocco Baldelli: 2-4, RBI, 2 R
Jason Bartlett: 4-4, 2 2B, 3B, HR (1), 3 RBI, 3 R

4/5 - Blue Jays (1-2) @ Rays (2-1): Game 4

Great Guillen: (- - -), -.-- ERA vs. Derek Lowe: (- - -), -.-- ERA

ST. PETERSBURG -- The Rays have won their opening series against the Blue Jays at home, taking three of four. Carlos Pena belted his first homer of the season in the first inning with a two-run shot. Shannon Stewart narrowed the lead to one in the second with an RBI double, and tied it up in the fourth with an RBI single. Lyle Overbay then followed with his own RBI single to give the Blue Jays the lead. Dioner Navarro tied it up at three in the bottom of the sixth with an RBI single. The Rays took the lead once again in the eighth. Evan Longoria hit a solo homer to take the lead, and Cliff Floyd knocked in a second with an RBI single. Gregg Zaun tried to start a Jays rally in the ninth belting a solo home run to left, but Percival closed them down for another save.

Final Score:
Blue Jays: 4
Rays: 5


Great Guillen (L, 0-1): 7.1 IP, 9 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
Jeremy Accardo: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

Matt Stairs: 3-4, 2 2B, 2 R
Scott Rolen: 1-4, R
Shannon Stewart: 2-4, 2B, 2 RBI
Lyle Overbay: 2-4, RBI
Gregg Zaun: 1-4, HR (1), RBI, R


Derek Lowe: 6 IP, 8 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
Al Reyes: 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
Dan Wheeler (W, 1-0): 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
Troy Percival (SV, 3): 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

B.J. Upton: 1-4, 2B, R
Carlos Pena: 1-4, HR (1), 2 RBI, R
Evan Longoria: 3-4, 2B, HR (1), RBI, 2 R
Carl Crawford: 1-4, 2B, R
Cliff Floyd: 1-4, RBI
Dioner Navarro: 1-4, RBI

4/4 - Blue Jays (1-1) @ Rays (1-1): Game 3

Jesse Litsch: (- - -), -.-- ERA vs. Matt Garza: (- - -), -.-- ERA

ST. PETERSBURG -- The Rays have won their second game of the season, taking two of the first three in this four game opening series against the Blue Jays. Carl Crawford got the Rays on the board first in the second with a solo homer to right, and B.J. Upton added to it in the third with a two-run homer. Gregg Zaun knocked in the Blue Jays first run in the fifth with an RBI single, and Aaron Hill brought the Jays within one in the eighth with a solo shot, but the Rays hold on to win this one.

Final Score:
Blue Jays: 2
Rays: 3


Jesse Litsch (L, 0-1): 8 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

Aaron Hill: 3-4, HR (1), RBI, R
Shannon Stewart: 2-4, R
Gregg Zaun: 1-3, RBI


Matt Garza (W, 1-0): 7.1 IP, 8 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 5 K
Dan Wheeler: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
Troy Percival (SV, 2): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

Akinori Iwamura: 2-4, 2B, R
B.J. Upton: 1-4, HR (3), 2 RBI, R
Carl Crawford: 1-3, HR (1), RBI, R

4/3 - Blue Jays (1-0) @ Rays (0-1): Game 2

Dustin McGowan: (- - -), -.-- ERA vs. Scott Kazmir: (- - -), -.-- ERA

ST. PETERSBURG -- The Rays have won their first game of the season with a victory over the Blue Jays today. Scott Rolen knocked in the first run of the game in the fourth with an RBI single, but B.J. Upton came up big in the bottom of the inning with a two-run jack to give the Rays the lead. Alex Rios would tie it up in the sixth with a solo solo home run. The Rays then broke through in the eighth; Evan Longoria belting a huge two-run double to give the Rays the lead. Troy Percival earned his first save of the season and Scott Kazmir going eight innings gets the win.

Final Score:
Blue Jays: 2
Rays: 4


Dustin McGowan (L, 0-1): 8 IP, 8 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

Aaron Hill: 2-4, R
Alex Rios: 1-4, HR (2), RBI, R, K
Scott Rolen: 2-4, RBI


Scott Kazmir (W, 1-0): 8 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
Troy Percival (SV, 1): 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

Akinori Iwamura: 2-4, 2B, 2 R
B.J. Upton: 1-4, HR (2), 2 RBI, R
Carlos Pena: 1-4, R
Evan Longoria: 1-4, 2B, 2 RBI

4/2 - Blue Jays (0-0) @ Rays (0-0): Game 2

Shaun Marcum: (- - -), -.-- ERA vs. Andy Sonnanstine: (- - -), -.-- ERA

ST. PETERSBURG -- The Rays have lost the makeup Opening Day game of the season. Carlos Pena knocked in the Rays first and only run of the game in the first with an RBI double. Scott Rolen got the Jays on the board in the seventh with a solo homer, and Lyle Overbay hit an RBI single later in the inning to take the lead. Aaron Hill knocked in one more in the eighth with an RBI double as the Blue Jays defeat the Rays at home.

Final Score:
Blue Jays: 3
Rays: 1


Shaun Marcum (W, 1-0): 6.1 IP, 7 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
Jeremy Accardo: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
B.J. Ryan (SV, 1): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

Aaron Hill: 2-4, 2B, RBI
Scott Rolen: 1-4, HR (1), RBI, R
Shannon Stewart: 3-4, R, K
Lyle Overbay: 2-4, RBI


Andy Sonnanstine (L, 0-1): 8 IP, 10 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
Troy Percival: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

B.J. Upton: 1-4, R
Carlos Pena: 1-4, 2B, RBI
Jason Bartlett: 2-3

4/2 - Blue Jays (0-0) @ Rays (0-0): Game 1

A.J. Burnett: (- - -), -.-- ERA vs. James Shields: (- - -), -.-- ERA

ST. PETERSBURG -- Opening Day of the 2009 season did not go ideal for the Rays. Alex Rios got his season started huge in the first, belting a solo homer to left in his first at-bat of the season. Alex Rios then knocked in another in the sixth wjth an RBI single. Jason Bartlett finally go the Rays on the board in the seventh with an RBI single, and B.J. Upton tied it up at two in the eighth with a solo shot. The game would go into extras, both teams' bullpens holding down the opposing lineups. The game was finally called off after twenty innings of play tied at two.

Final Score:
Blue Jays: 2
Rays: 2
F/20


A.J. Burnett: 7 IP, 8 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
Jeremy Accardo: 5 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
Brian Wolfe: 3.1 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
Shawn Camp: 2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
Jesse Carlson: 2.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 K

David Eckstein: 2-8, R, K
Alex Rios: 3-8, HR (1), 2 RBI, R


James Shields: 8.1 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 7 K
Dan Wheeler: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
Al Reyes: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
Edwin Jackson: 6 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
J.P. Howell: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

B.J. Upton: 4-9, HR (1), RBI, R
Cliff Floyd: 4-8, 2B, R
Jason Bartlett: 3-8, 2B, RBI

Opening Day Roster

Batting Order:
1. 2B Akinori Iwamura
2. CF B.J. Upton
3. 1B Carlos Pena
4. 3B Evan Longoria
5. LF Carl Crawford
6. DH Cliff Floyd
7. C Dioner Navarro
8. RF Rocco Baldelli
9. SS Jason Bartlett

Bench:
1. C Chris Iannetta
2. 1B/RF Eric Hinske
3. SS/3B/2B Ramon Vazquez
4. CF/LF Gabe Gross


Starting Rotation:
1. James Shields
2. Andy Sonnanstine
3. Scott Kazmir
4. Matt Garza
5. Derek Lowe

Bullpen:
1. Edwin Jackson
2. Jason Hammel
3. Hideo Nomo
4. Al Reyes
5. Dan Wheeler
6. J.P. Howell
7. Troy Percival (CL)

4/1 - Trade Update

Red Sox - Cubs

Kosuke Fukudome: Cubs >> Red Sox

Julio Lugo: Red Sox >> Cubs

3/18 - Preseason: Tigers @ Rays

Dontrelle Willis vs. Scott Kazmir

PORT CHARLOTTE -- In their second preseason game against the Tigers, the Rays made a five run comeback to beat the Tigers on a walk-off. Eric Byrnes, once again, led-off the game with a solo shot. The Tigers would homer back-to-back innings as Jacque Jones belted a solo shot in the second. Carlos Guillen gave the Tigers two more in the fourth with a two-run homer. The Rays pitching would keep the Tigers offense quiet the rest of the game. Carl Crawford got the comeback started in the sixth with a two-run homer, followed by Carlos Pena with a solo shot to go back-to-back. In the eighth inning, Carl Crawford did it again with a solo home run, his second of the game to tie it up. And finally in the bottom of the ninth, Cliff Floyd led-off the bottom of the inning with a walk-off solo shot to right for the win.

Final Score:
Tigers: 4
Rays: 5


Dontrelle Willis: 3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
Nate Robertson: 2.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
Zach Miner: 2.2 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
Denny Bautista (L): 0 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

Eric Byrnes: 1-4, HR, RBI, R, K
Curtis Granderson: 0-4, R, 2 K
Carlos Guillen: 2-4, HR, 2 RBI, R
Jacque Jones: 1-3, HR, RBI, R


Scott Kazmir: 3 IP, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
Matt Garza: 3 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 3K
Dan Wheeler: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
Kurt Birkins (W): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

Akinori Iwamura: 1-4, 2B, R, K
Carl Crawford: 3-4, 2B, 2 HR, 3 RBI, 2 R
Carlos Pena: 2-4, HR, RBI, R, K
Cliff Floyd: 1-4, HR, RBI, R

3/13 - Preseason: Rays @ Mets

Hideo Nomo vs. Orlando Hernandez

PORT ST. LUCIE -- The Rays pitching shut down the Mets offense in this shutout victory. Carlos Pena supplied the only offense of the game with a solo homer in the first, and a two-run shot in the third. Hideo Nomo, Edwin Jackson, J.P. Howell, and Troy Percival combined for a six-hit shutout of the Mets.

Final Score:
Rays: 3
Mets: 0


Hideo Nomo: 3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
Edwin Jackson (W): 3 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
J.P. Howell: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
Troy Percival (SV): 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

Akinori Iwamura: 2-4, 2B, R
Carlos Pena: 2-4, 2 HR, 3 RBI, 2 R, K


Orlando Hernandez (L): 3 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
Jorge Sosa: 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
Ambiorix Burgos: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
Duaner Sanchez: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

Ryan Church: 2-4, K

3/4 - Preseason: Tigers @ Rays

Justin Verlander vs. Jeff Niemann

PORT CHARLOTTE -- Getting four-hit shutout, the Rays lose today's preseason matchup against the Tigers. Eric Byrnes led off the game with a solo shot to center to give the Tigers an immediate one-run lead. Edgar Renteria knocked in another in the third with an RBI single. Curtis Granderson gave the Tigers the big blow in the ninth with a huge three-run homer. The Rays got four hits in the first three innings, and the Tigers bullpen was perfect the rest of the game to surely protect the win.

Final Score:
Tigers: 5
Rays: 0


Justin Verlander: 3 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
Nate Robertson (W): 3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
Zach Miner: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
Todd Jones: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

Eric Byrnes: 1-4, HR, RBI, R, K
Edgar Renteria: 2-4, RBI, R
Magglio Ordonez: 1-4, R
Curtis Granderson: 1-4, HR, 3 RBI, R, K
Brandon Inge: 1-3, R


Jeff Niemann (L): 3 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
Andy Sonnanstine: 3.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
Kurt Birkins: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
Gary Glover: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
Al Reyes: 1 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

Carl Crawford: 1-4, 2B, K
Carlos Pena: 1-4
Gabe Gross: 1-3
Ramon Vazquez: 1-3

3/1 - Preseason: Reds @ Rays

Great Paulino vs. James Shields

PORT CHARLOTTE -- The Rays have kicked off the 2009 Spring Training with a victory over the Cincinnati Reds. Jason Bartlett got the Rays on the board in the third with a two-run homer. Ken Griffey, Jr. narrowed that lead to one in the fourth with an RBI single, but Carlos Pena got that run back in the bottom of the inning with a solo homer, and Willy Aybar added another immediately following with his own solo shot to go back-to-back. Carl Crawford knocked in the Rays' fifth run in the sixth with an RBI single. The Rays then scored three in the seventh, only one of them on a hit; A fielder's choice allowed Rocco Baldelli to score from third, Charlton Jimerson came up with an RBI single, and shortstop Great Johnson allowed a ball to get by him with the bases loaded to score another. The Reds scored three in the ninth to narrow the lead to four; Adam Dunn belted a solo homer, Scott Hatteberg hit into a sacrifice groundout to score a runner from third, and David Ross came through with an RBI single, all off of the Rays possible 2009 closer Dan Wheeler, but that outing may affect whether he gets the job or not.

Final Score:
Reds: 4
Rays: 8


Great Paulino (L): 3 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
Edinson Volquez: 3 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
Jonathan Papelbon: 0.1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
Jeremy Affeldt: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

Adam Dunn: 2-4, HR, RBI, 2 R, K
Edwin Encarnacion: 1-4, R
Scott Hatteberg: 2-4, 2B, R
Ken Griffey, Jr.: 1-4, RBI
Cory Patterson: 1-4, RBI
David Ross: 1-4, RBI


James Shields (W): 3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
J.P. Howell: 3 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
Edwin Jackson: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
Dan Wheeler: 1 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

Elliot Johnson: 0-2, RBI, R
Charlton Jimerson: 1-1, RBI, R
Carlos Pena: 1-2, HR, RBI, R
Willy Aybar: 1-3, HR, RBI, R, K
Carl Crawford: 1-4, RBI, K
Dioner Navarro: 1-4, R
Rocco Baldelli: 1-4, R, K
Jason Bartlett: 2-4, 2B, HR, 2 RBI, 2 R

2009 Spring Training Underway

The 2009 Major League Baseball season is about to begin, starting with Spring Training in Arizona and Florida. All the teams have been at their camps the past couple of weeks training hard and getting in shape for the 2009 season. The Rays return this year with all the same, familiar faces, the only new face being Ramon Vazquez, who will most likely be on the opening day roster on the bench. Spring Training is the time for younger players to get their shot at the majors, to prove what they have what it takes, and the Rays have several of those players showing up for camp this Spring, and everyone is excited to see what will happen this year.

3/1 - Trade Update

White Sox - Pirates

J.J. Putz: Pirates >> White Sox

Nick Swisher: White Sox >> Pirates

1/22 - Trade Update

Yankees - Cubs

Ryan Theriot: Cubs >> Yankees

Melky Cabrera: Yankees >> Cubs

Awards

American League:
MVP: Jorge Posada (Yankees)
Pitcher of the Year: Dan Wheeler (Rays)
Hank Aaron Award: Jorge Posada (Yankees)
Relief Pitcher of the Year: Troy Percival (Rays)
Rookie of the Year: Evan Longoria (Rays)

National League:
MVP: Dan Uggla (Marlins)
Pitcher of the Year: Roy Halladay (Braves)
Hank Aaron Award: Dan Uggla (Marlins)
Relief Pitcher of the Year: Francisco Rodriguez (Diamondbacks)
Rookie of the Year: Kosuke Fukudome (Cubs)

All-Star Game MVP: Yorvit Torrealba (Rockies)
World Series MVP: Prince Fielder (Brewers)

Retiring Players

Juan Castros (Mariners)
Mike DiFelice (Orioles)
Greg Norton (Mariners)
Jamie Burke (Mariners)
Gary Bennett (Dodgers)
Chris Gomez (Pirates)
So Taguchi (Phillies)
Chris Coste (Phillies)
Arthur Rhodes (Mariners)
Rudy Seanez (Mariners)
Alan Embree (Athletics)
Kent Mercker (Royals)
Great Clark (Rockies)
Doug Brocail (Astros)
Keiichi Yabu (Giants)
Tom Glavine (Padres)

10/27 - World Series: Brewers @ Rays: Game 4

Dave Bush vs. Matt Garza

ST. PETERSBURG -- The Milwaukee Brewers have won the 2008 World Series, sweeping the Tampa Bay Rays four games straight. Both teams scored in the first; Prince Fielder with an RBI single for the Brewers, and Carlos Pena with a two-run homer to take the lead, but the Brewers tied it up in the fifth when Bill Hall belted a solo shot to left. The game would remain tied at two until the eleventh when Mike Cameron blasted a solo shot. Eric Gagne came on in the bottom of the inning to close it out.

Final Score:
Brewers: 3
Rays: 2
F/11


Dave Bush: 8.2 IP, 8 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
Brian Shouse (W): 1.1, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
Eric Gagne (SV): 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

Ricky Weeks: 1-5, R, K
Mike Cameron: 1-5, HR, RBI, R
Prince Fielder: 1-5, RBI
Bill Hall: 3-4, HR, RBI, R


Matt Garz (L): 10.1 IP, 9 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 4 K
Al Reyes: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

B.J. Upton: 3-5, 2B, R
Carlos Pena: 1-5, HR, 2 RBI, R, K
Carl Crawford: 2-5, 2B

10/26 - World Series: Brewers @ Rays: Game 3

Yovani Gallardo vs. Derek Lowe

ST. PETERSBURG -- The Milwaukee Brewers are one game away from a four game sweep of the Tampa Bay Rays in this World Series. Prince Fielder supplied the offense for the Brewers with two solo homers; one in the second, and another in the seventh. The only Rays run came in the bottom of the seventh on an Evan Longoria RBI double, but they couldn't come back to win this one as the Brewers go for the sweep tomorrow.

Final Score:
Brewers: 2
Rays: 1


Yovani Gallardo (W): 9 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

Prince Fielder: 2-3, 2 HR, 2 RBI, 2 R, K, BB


Derek Lowe (L): 9 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 4 K

B.J. Upton: 1-4, R, K
Evan Longoria: 2-4, RBI

10/24 - World Series: Rays @ Brewers: Game 2

Andy Sonnanstine vs. Jeff Suppan

MILWAUKEE -- The Rays have now lost the first two games of the World Series to the Milwaukee Brewers. Carlos Pena belted a solo home run in the fourth to get the Rays on the board first, but in the fifth inning with the bases load, Mike Cameron jacked a grand slam to take a three-run lead. B.J. Upton blasted a solo homer in the sixth, but Corey Hart got that run back in the bottom of the inning with an RBI double. In the eighth inning, Carlos Pena hit an RBI double, but once again, the Brewers got that one back in the bottom of the inning with a Ryan Braun solo home run as the Brewers hang onto this lead to win.

Final Score:
Rays: 3
Brewers: 6


Andy Sonnanstine (L): 7 IP, 10 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 0 BB, 5 K
Dan Wheeler: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

Akinori Iwamura: 1-4, R, 2 K
B.J. Upton: 1-4, HR, RBI, R, 2 K
Carlos Pena: 3-4, 2B, HR, 2 RBI, R


Jeff Suppan (W): 6.2 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
Brian Shouse: 1.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
Eric Gagne (SV): 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

Ricky Weeks: 1-4, R
Mike Cameron: 1-4, HR, 4 RBI, R
Ryan Braun: 2-4, HR, RBI, 2 R
Corey Hart: 2-4, 2B, RBI
Craig Counsell: 1-3, R, 2 K
Jeff Suppan: 1-2, R

10/23 - World Series: Rays @ Brewers: Game 1

James Shields vs. Pachot*

MILWAUKEE -- The Rays have lost the opening game of the 2008 World Series in a Milwaukee slugfest. The Brewers scored three in the first with a lead-off homer by Ricky Weeks, later followed by a two-run shot off the bat of Bill Hall. The Rays then hit four homers in the fourth inning, going back-to-back twice. B.J. Upton and Carlos Pena hit back-to-back solo shots, and later in the inning, Dioner Navarro went back-to-back to take the lead. Prince Fielder put the Brewers ahead in the fifth with a three-run jack, but Carlos Pena tied it up in the eighth with a two-run shot, his second of the game. Ryan Braun homered in the bottom of the inning to give the Brewers the final lead as they win game one of the World Series.

Final Score:
Rays: 6
Brewers: 7


James Shields (L): 7 IP, 10 H, 7 R, 5 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
Dan Wheeler: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

Akinori Iwamura: 2-4, R
B.J. Upton: 1-4, HR, RBI, R, K
Carlos Pena: 2-4, 2 HR, 3 RBI, 2 R
Dioner Navarro: 1-4, HR, RBI, R
Rocco Baldelli: 1-4, HR, RBI, R


Pachot: 3.2 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
Manny Parra: 3.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
Brian Shouse (W): 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
Eric Gagne (SV): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

Ricky Weeks: 2-4, 2B, HR, RBI, 2 R
Prince Fielder: 2-4, HR, 3 RBI, 2 R
Ryan Braun: 1-4, HR, RBI, R
Bill Hall: 1-4, HR, 2 RBI, R
Manny Parra: 1-2, R, K

10/22 - 2008 World Series Starts Tomorrow

The 2008 Major League Baseball World Series starts tomorrow, with the opening game in Milwaukee. It has been a long and difficult road for both teams to get to this point. Both teams are the Wild Card winners for their league, and both teams had to play division rivals in the LCS with better records than themselves. It's going to be a great series to see who comes out on top as the best team in baseball for 2008.


Tampa Bay Rays vs. Milwaukee Brewers

10/18 - ALCS: Yankees @ Rays: Game 5

Phil Hughes vs. Scott Kazmir

ST. PETERSBURG -- THE TAMPA BAY RAYS ARE GOING TO THE WORLD SERIES! They swept the Athletics, and they've beaten the Yankees four games to one and are going to the 2008 World Series to face the Milwaukee Brewers. The Rays scored three runs in the third; one on a sacrifice fly by B.J. Upton to bring home the runner from third, and Carlos Pena with a monster two-run homer to go up by three. B.J. Upton knocked in another in the fifth with an RBI single to take a four-run lead. The Yankees scored their only run in the sixth on a bases loaded infield single for Robinson Cano to bring home the runner from third. Scott Kazmir led the Rays in this one with a ten hit, one run complete game for the victory.

Final Score:
Yankees: 1
Rays: 4


Phil Hughes (L): 5 IP, 8 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
Sanhueza*: 3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

Johnny Damon: 2-4
Alex Rodriguez: 2-4, R
Robinson Cano: 2-4, RBI
Melky Cabrera: 2-4


Scott Kazmir (W): 9 IP, 10 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 5 K

Akinori Iwamura: 1-4, 2B, R
B.J. Upton: 2-3, 2 RBI
Carlos Pena: 1-4, HR, 2 RBI, R
Rocco Baldelli: 1-3, R
Jason Bartlett: 2-3, R

10/17 - ALCS: Yankees @ Rays: Game 4

Mike Mussina vs. Matt Garza

ST. PETERSBURG -- The Rays are now one game away from winning their first pennant in franchise history. In the first inning, Alex Rodriguez belted a solo homer to left to give the Yankees an early one-run lead, but the Rays tied it up in the bottom of the inning with a fielder's choice allowing Akinori Iwamura to score from third, the Rays then took the lead in that inning on a wild pitch allowing Carlos Pena to score from third. The Rays scored twice more in the third on back-to-back solo jacks by Carlos Pena and Evan Longoria. The Rays then took a three-run lead in the fourth with an RBI single off the bat of Jason Bartlett. The Yankees then homered back-to-back innings in the fifth and six to narrow the lead; Hideki Matsui in the fifth, and Bobby Abreu in the sixth. B.J. Upton belted a solo homer in the seventh to go up by three, but then Alex Rodriguez hit a solo homer in the eighth, his second of the game. Then in the bottom of the inning, Akinori Iwamura came up with an RBI single to get that run back. Jason Giambi tried to spark something in the top of the ninth with a solo homer, but the Rays held on and are just one win away from winning the pennant.

Final Score:
Yankees: 5
Rays: 7


Mike Mussina (L): 4.1 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
Carl Pavano: 3.2 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

Bobby Abreu: 1-4, HR, RBI, R
Alex Rodriguez: 2-3, 2 HR, 2 RBI, 2 R, BB
Jason Giambi: HR, RBI, R, K, 2 BB
Hideki Matsui: 1-3, HR, RBI, R, BB


Matt Garza (W): 8 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
Dan Wheeler (SV): 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 K

Akinori Iwamura: 2-5, 2B, RBI, R
B.J. Upton: 2-5, 2B, HR, RBI, R
Carlos Pena: 2-4, HR, 2 RBI, 2 R
Evan Longoria: 1-4, HR, RBI, R
Cliff Floyd: 2-4, R
Rocco Baldelli: 0-4, R
Jason Bartlett: 2-4, RBI



Reds: 3 (0)
Brewers: 5 (4)

10/16 - ALCS: Yankees @ Rays: Game 3

Andy Pettitte vs. Derek Lowe

ST. PETERSBURG -- The Rays have finally lost a playoff game, losing in extra innings to the Yankees led by the bats of Alex Rodriguez and Jason Giabmi. B.J. Upton hit a solo homer in the first to get things started, but it was tied up in the second on a sacrifice groundout by Robinson Cano. Then in the sixth, Alex Rodriguez belted a two-run homer, and Jason Giambi also hit a solo shot to take a three-run lead. Then in the bottom of the sixth, Jason Bartlett brought that lead to two with a solo homer. Carl Crawford narrowed it to one in the seventh with a solo shot, and Akinori Iwamura gave the Rays the lead in the eighth with a two-run homer, but Hideki Matsui tied it up in the top of the ninth with a solo shot, and this game would remain tied until the thirteenth inning. Once again, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Giambi homered in the same inning to give the Yankees the win.

Final Score:
Yankees: 7
Rays: 5
F/13


Andy Pettitte: 8.2 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
LaTroy Hawkins: 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
Joba Chamberlain (W): 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
Mariano Rivera (SV): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

Johnny Damon: 1-6, R, K
Alex Rodriguez: 2-6, 2 HR, 3 RBI, 2 R
Jorge Posada: 1-6, R, K
Jason Giambi: 4-6, 2 2B, 2 HR, 2 RBI, 2 R
Robinson Cano: 1-6, 2B, RBI, K
Hideki Matsui: 1-5, HR, RBI, R, K


Derek Lowe: 6 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 0 BB, 4 K
Al Reyes: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
Dan Wheeler: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
Troy Percival: 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
Hideo Nomo (L): 4 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

Akinori Iwamura: 1-6, HR, 2 RBI, R
B.J. Upton: 1-5, HR, RBI, R
Carl Crawford: 1-5, HR, RBI, R
Jason Bartlett: 2-5, HR, RBI, 2 R, K



Reds: 1 (0)
Brewers: 2 (3)

10/14 - ALCS: Rays @ Yankees: Game 2

Andy Sonnanstine vs. Chien-Ming Wang

NEW YORK -- The Rays have now won the first two games of the 2008 ALCS. The Yankees scored their only two runs in the first with RBI doubles by Alex Rodriguez and Jason Giambi. The Rays then came up big in the sixth with four runs. Akinori Iwamura and B.J. Upton hit back-to-back RBI doubles to tie the game, and Evan Longoria capped it off with a tw-run homer to take a two-run lead. The rest of the game was all homers as the Rays homered three straight innings; Rocco Baldelli with a solo homer in the seventh, B.J. Upton with a solo blast in the eighth, and Dioner Navarro with his own solo shot in the ninth as the Rays beat the Yankees two straight games.

Final Score:
Rays: 7
Yankees: 2


Andy Sonnanstine (W): 8 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
Dan Wheeler: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

Akinori Iwamura: 1-5, 2B, RBI, R
B.J. Upton: 3-4, 2B, HR, 2 RBI, 2 R
Evan Longoria: 1-4, HR, 2 RBI, R
Dioner Navarro: 1-4, HR, RBI, R
Rocco Baldelli: 2-4, HR, RBI, R
Jason Bartlett: 1-4, R


Chien-Ming Wang (L): 5.1 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
Billy Traber: 3 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
Sanhueza*: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

Bobby Abreu: 2-4, 2B, R
Alex Rodriguez: 1-4, 2B, RBI, R
Jason Giambi: 1-4, 2B, RBI, K



Brewers: 4 (2)
Reds: 1 (0)

10/13 - ALCS: Rays @ Yankees: Game 1

James Shields vs. John Smoltz

NEW YORK -- The Rays have won the first game of the ALCS with a huge comeback win against the Yankees. The Yankees scored first in the first when Bobby Abreu belted a solo homer to center, but Cliff Floyd tied it up in the second with his own solo blast. The Yankees took the lead again the fourth when Alex Rodriguez belted a solo homer to left. Then, in the ninth with their backs to the wall, B.J. Upton came up clutch with a one-out two-run homer to right-center to give the Rays the lead for the first time in the game. Evan Longoria also homered in that inning to go up by two as the Rays defeat the Yankees in game on of the ALCS.

Final Score:
Rays: 4
Yankees: 2


James Shields (W): 8 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
Dan Wheeler (SV): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

Akinori Iwamura: 1-4, R
B.J. Upton: 1-4, HR, 2 RBI, R
Evan Longoria: 1-4, HR, RBI, R
Cliff Floyd: HR, RBI, R


John Smoltz (L): 8.2 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
Billy Traber: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

Bobby Abreu: 2-4, HR, RBI, R
Alex Rodriguez: 1-4, HR, RBI, R
Hideki Matsui: 2-3, 2 2B



Brewers: 6 (1)
Reds: 3 (0)

10/10 - League Championship Series Set

The Rays made a clean sweep of the A's in Oakland to win the division series, but the next step is the LCS. The Rays will be facing the Yankees, who have been a huge rival throughout the season, and a challenging team to face and to beat. In the National League, the Cincinnati Reds will be taking on their own division rival, the Milwaukee Brewers. This will be a great series on both sides and it will be exciting to see who wins the pennant and goes on to the World Series.


New York Yankees vs. Tampa Bay Rays


Cincinnati Reds vs. Milwaukee Brewers

10/8 - ALDS: Rays @ Athletics: Game 3

Derek Lowe vs. Esteban Loaiza

OAKLAND -- The Rays have swept the Oakland Athletics three straight games for a Division Series victory! The Rays got on the board early in this one, B.J. Upton with a first inning two-run blast. Cliff Floyd added to that in the second with a solo homer to go up by three. The Athletics scored their first run in the second on a fielding error. Rocco Baldelli dropped a fly ball that would have been the third out of the inning, but instead allowed Jack Cust to score from third. Jack Cust then caused damage himself in the fourth with a two-run homer to tie the game at three. The difference maker was in the sixth inning when Carlos Pena and Evan Longoria hit back-to-back solo shots to lead-off the inning, which would be all they need to win this game, the series, and a spot in the League Championship Series.

Final Score:
Rays: 5
Athletics: 3


Derek Lowe (W): 7.2 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 4 K
Dan Wheeler (SV): 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

Akinori Iwamura: 1-4, 2B, R
B.J. Upton: 2-4, HR, 2 RBI, R, K
Carlos Pena: 1-4, HR, RBI, R
Evan Longoria: 2-4, HR, RBI, R
Cliff Floyd: 1-4, HR, RBI, R


Esteban Loaiza (L): 5 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
Andrew Brown: 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

Mark Ellis: 2-4, K
Eric Chavez: 1-4, R, K
Jack Cust: 2-3, 2B, HR, 2 RBI, 2 R



Tigers: 0 (0)
Yankees: 4 (3)

Diamondbacks: 4 (1)
Reds: 5 (2)

Brewers: 6 (3)
Mets: 4 (0)