(Sports Network) - James Shields tossed 7 1/3 scoreless innings to help the Tampa Bay Rays take a 3-0 win over the New York Yankees in the rubber match of a three-game set from Tropicana Field.
Shields (10-9) gave up four hits, struck out 11, and walked one to pick up the win for the Rays, who have won eight of nine to move within one game of the AL East-leading Yankees. Rafael Soriano recorded his 30th save of the season.
Carl Crawford and Kelly Shoppach each had an RBI for the victors.
New York third baseman Alex Rodriguez was not in the starting lineup, but he did come on as pinch-hitter in the seventh. He struck out, though, and remains stuck at 599 homers for his career (ha ha!)
From the enemy:
The Rays outplayed the Yankees in every aspect of the game today. Tip of the hat to the Rays. James Shields was absolutely nasty in the Rays victory.
Unfortunately, the Rays remain behind the Yankees in the AL East division race.