James “Complete Game” Shields Shuts Down Marlins

May 22, 2011

A: Florida Marlins

Attendance: 15,432

W: James Shields (5-2) 2.00 ERA

L: Jay Buente (0-1) 9.00 ERA

Summary:

It’s beginning to look like James Shields has reclaimed his place as the ace of the Rays rotation after yesterday’s complete game shutout of the smoking hot Florida Marlins. The Rays had dropped the first two games of the series and were looking like a sweep was in the offing. The Rays benefitted from Josh Johnson‘s trip to the DL, but it may not have mattered as Shields not only set a career high with 13 strikeouts, but provided all the offense he would need for the win when Greg Dobbs fumbled what should have been an easy double play in the top of the second inning, scoring Casey Kotchman and giving Shields and RBI. While the team added three more, Shields would make short work of the Marlins for the rest of the game, earning his fifth win along with his 3rd complete game of the season.

Elliot Johnson grounded into a fielders choice with the next at bat, knocking Shields off the base paths for the second out but scoring Sean Rodriguez, but then was caught trying to steal second with Johnny Damon at the plate. At that point it was 2-0 and Shields would retire the next 17 batters he faced.

Player of the Game: James Shields–9 IP, 3 Hits, 13 strikeouts.