The Tampa Bay Rays had a record setting evening, steamrolling the Toronto Blue Jays in a 12-1 victory. The team set a new MLB record for most strikeouts by a pitching staff in a single season, and James Shields became the first man in franchise history to reach 200 strikeouts in consecutive seasons. He struck out nine while pitching six scoreless innings, improving to 15-9 with the win.
The Rays offense finished with 16 hits, including six doubles, a triple and two home runs, one by Jose Molina and one by Ben Zobrist. Luke Scott had four RBI on two hits, Molina collected three and Carlos Pena had two on two hits each and Zobrist, Jeff Keppinger and Matt Joyce all had one each.
With the win Tampa Bay keeps their playoff hopes alive, but the odds remain long. As of the conclusion of the Rays' game, the Orioles looked on their way to a win and the Athletics were tied with the Yankees in extra innings.
Stick with this StoryStream for previews, updates and more from the Rays vs. Blue Jays series. For more insight and analysis, check out Rays blog DRays Bay.
