Rays Take Quick Lead, Run Away From Astros

June 25, 2011

A: Houston Astros

Attendance: 27,208

W: Wade Davis (7-5) 4.32 ERA

L: Bud Norris (4-6) 3.36 ERA

Summary:

The Rays had this game in hand early when they put up single tallies in the first three innings. Bud Norris, pitching today for the Astros, had been red hot in his last three starts, so it was important that the Rays get the early lead. Evan Longoria doubled home Ben Zobrist in the first. Johnny Damon, in left field today, singled home Reid Brignac in the second. B.J. Upton singled home Longoria in the third. Upton added his second homer of the series in the sixth.

Wade Davis is back from his tough stretch about a month ago. He had his second straight very solid outing. With the help of some double plays, he faced the minimum through three innings. He allowed a run in the fourth but otherwise shut out the Astros.

Joel Peralta started the eighth with a 4-1 lead, but quickly gave up a run. Maddon lost patience right away and yanked him with one out and a runner on second. Kyle Farnsworth entered and immediately gave up a long fly ball to left. Sam Fuld, just into the game for defense ran it down, but in the transfer dropped the ball. At least that’s how Fuld thought it went. The third base umpire ruled a no catch and in further replays, I have to agree with the ruling. It never looked like Fuld had control of the ball. The important thing was that not even the runner on second moved up. Farnsworth, as he has been doing all year, got out of the jam, this time with a double play.

The Rays added three quick runs in the ninth to help Farnsworth seal the game, who picked up his 16th save. The Rays look for a sweep tomorrow, which is exactly what they should do against the team with the worst record in baseball.

Player of the Game: B.J. Upton for his homer, RBI hit and a great grab in center