Rays Even Series with Rangers to end May 14-12

May 31, 2011

V. Texas Rangers

Attendance: 12,783

W: Joel Peralta (2-3) 3.25 ERA

L: Arthur Rhodes (BS,2)(3-3) 4.85 ERA

Summary:

Alex Cobb, making just his second start in the major leagues, weathered a rough first inning when he had two throwing errors but struck out two and induced a ground ball from Adrian Beltre to escape. Cobb finished the night with six and a third innings, and allowed only two more hits and a run for a no-decision.

If we are to go by Joe Maddon’s comments, Cobb likely earned himself at least one more start, and possibly a longer stay in the rotation. “He (Cobb) has good makeup,” Maddon said. “As he’s here longer, you’re going to see him right himself. I think he has the bells and whistles to do that.”

The Rays had to rally three times, the final one after a Johnny Damon single with two outs in the bottom of the eighth. Longoria smacked only his fourth home run of the season over the outstretched glove of Josh Hamilton to drive in Damon and give the Rays the lead. Kyle Farnsworth, facing the meat of the Rangers order, induced ground balls from Hamilton and Michael Young, then got Beltre to pop out to Ben Zobrist for his 10th save in 11 tries.

Matt Joyce went 1-2 with his 9th home run of the season while raising his batting average to .370 to continue his hot hitting. Joyce finished the month of May on fire, batting .414 with 7 home runs and 21 RBI while compiling a 1.229 OPS.

Player of the Game: Evan Longoria-2 for 3, 1 homer, 2 RBI. Since Joe Maddon moved him into the leadoff spot to shake him out of his slump Longo has hit 7-14.