More photos » by Matt Slocum - AP

4 months ago: Tampa Bay Rays' B.J. Upton hits an RBI single off Texas Rangers pitcher Tommy Hunter in the fifth inning of a baseball game, Friday, July 3, 2009, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Browse more photos »

For the second consecutive game the Rays offense failed to provide any help to the pitching staff.

As R.J. pointed out, Kazmir didn't pitch poorly at all, at least not compared to what he had been doing.  The offense was a different story.  Facing a pitcher with very limited major league experience the best offense in baseball was not able to put together enough to get Kazmir the win, mustering only one run on three hits over Tommy Hunter's 5.1IP.  They did manage three walks, but were not able to capitalize on the extra base runners.  B.J. Upton was responsible for the lone bright spot of the night with his RBI single in the 5th inning. 

After the starters exited the game the bullpens came in and locked the game down over the final four innings.  Over those four innings neither team would record a hit, and only one player from either team would reach second base.  Grant Balfour pitched two innings and struck out two batters.  Since his poor outing June 7th at the Yankees when he allowed two runs on three hits in 0.1IP Balfour hasnt allowed a single runner to cross the plate, lowering his ERA from 6.31 to 4.36 over that time. 

The Rays face rookie Derek Holland tonight who has a 9.00ERA and a .392BAA in 23IP at home this season.  Hopefully the Rays bats can take advantage of that.