The Tampa Bay Rays opened their home series against Toronto on Tuesday with a quick and tidy 4-1 win at the Trop. More importantly, All-Star third baseman Evan Longoria returned to action and instantly made an impact. Longoria, who missed 85 games with a hamstring injury, was robbed by J.A. Happ in his first at-bat, with the Blue Jays' pitcher reaching behind his back to snare a ball back up the middle. Longoria hit DH and went one for three with an RBI, driving in a run on a sacrifice fly in the third. The ball to right would bring home Desmond Jennings and prove to be the winning un.
James Shields, who spent last week as the subject of trade rumors, went out and hurled eight innings, giving up just two hits in an impressive performance against the division foe. Shields struck out six and walked just one, allowing only a solo homer to Colby Rasmus. He handed the ball off to Fernando Rodney who slammed the door for his 33rd save of the year.
The Rays will now try to take the series on Wednesday night with Alex Cobb on the mound.
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