One night after Tampa Bay Rays ace David Price was shelled in Arlington, James Shields has responded by shutting down the potent Texas Rangers offense through six innings.
He's allowed only three hits so far with only one real mistake -- a solo HR by Ian Kinsler in the fourth inning.
Unfortunately, that's been more than enough for Rangers rookie Yu Darvish. The high-priced Japanese import has been inconsistent in his first season in the States, but he's been able to get out of trouble on Tuesday, allowing six hits but no runs. He has 10 strikeouts as well.
The Rays are 1-8 with runners in scoring position tonight, something that's been a problem for their often punch-less offense this season.
Texas has been a nightmare for Tampa, knocking the Rays out of the playoffs in each of the last two seasons. If the current playoff bracket holds up, it looks like Tampa will need to get through the two-time defending AL champions in 2012 as well.
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