Yesterday could prove to be the fluke as the Rays continue to not hit well at home. First base Casey Kotchman and the hot swinging Matt Joyce have both struck out twice.
The Yankee rookie Ivan Nova reached 100 pitches in 5 1/3 innings, but has only allowed only four hits: Three to Johnny Damon, and a Homerun to tonight's shortstop Elliot Johnson, the Rays' lone run.
The feared David Robinson finished the sixth and rescued Nova from a bases loaded, one out jam. He also got two outs in the seventh, but walked Elliot Johnson (who stole second) and Ben Zobrist. Despite three strikeouts in five batters, that was enough to get pulled. Interesting, Joe Girardi... Joba Chamberlain entered to get Johnny Damon to ground out and finish the inning.
James Shields has pitched through seven with 8 hits and 9 strikeouts. After 102 pitches, a call to the bullpen is likely for the last two innings. Can the Rays rally again?