James Shields turned in 6.1 strong innings to lead the Tampa Bay Rays to a 4-2 victory over the Miami Marlins Sunday afternoon, completing a three-game sweep.
Shields allowed just one earned run on four hits and three walks while striking out five. The Rays took control of the game early, when B.J. Upton's RBI double in the top of the first gave Tampa a quick 1-0 lead. The Rays added on with two home runs in the fourth, a solo home run by Matt Joyce and a two-run homer by Elliot Johnson put the Rays up 4-0.
The Marlins put their best effort of a rally together when Gabby Sanchez marked his return to the team with an RBI double that ended the shutout in the seventh, and then a Logan Morrison RBI single in the eighth made it 4-2. It would not be enough, as the Rays bullpen shut the door.
Marlins starter Anibal Sanchez went six innings, allowing four runs on seven hits and walking three while striking out two.
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