Tampa Bay Rays pitcher David Price took the mound against the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday night and was in control from the get go. Lasting seven innings and striking out eight batters, Price earned his Major League leading 16th win of the season. The shutout victory extended a consecutive scoreless inning streak by the Rays at Angel Stadium of Anaheim to 33 innings.
The Rays offense, coming off being the victims of a perfect game against Seattle Mariners ace Felix Hernandez, didn't give Angels starting pitcher Dan Haren a chance to do the same thing. Rays shortstop Ben Zobrist hit a solo home run in the bottom of the second inning to give the Rays an early lead that they would not reliquish.
After another home run by centerfielder B.J. Upton in the top of the fourth inning, the Rays broke open the game in the same inning with a two-RBI single by third baseman Jeff Keppinger. Keppinger later scored in that inning on a sacrifice fly by outfielder Ryan Roberts. Designated hitter Evan Longoria hit a two-run home run in the top of the fifth to cap the scoring.
For more on the Rays, please be sure to go check out our blog DRaysBay and SB Nation Tampa Bay for all the latest news and updates. Visit Halos Heaven and SB Nation Los Angeles for more news on the Angels. Baseball Nation has even more news and notes around the Major Leagues.