Rays Offense Hot, David Price Dominant In 8-2 Win

by BWoodrum on May 11, 2011 10:36 PM EDT in Game Recaps

CLEVELAND - MAY 11: Ben Zobrist #18 of the Tampa Bay Rays trots around third base after hitting a home run off of Justin Germano #39 of the Cleveland Indians during the game on May 11, 2011 at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

The following recap comes from SBN Tampa Bay, the world ultimate source for all Tampa Bays sports news.

The Tampa Bay Rays (21-15) ended the Cleveland Indians' (23-12) home winning streak on Wednesday night, pummeling the Tribe in an 8-2 win. David Price (5-3) pitched 8 strong innings, maintaining a perfect game through the first 4 while striking out 7 and walking none. For the Indians, Carlos Carrasco (1-2) struggled mightily in his first game back from the DL. He walked 3 batters and allowed 6 hits for 4 runs in only 5 innings of work.

The Rays scored early, pushing a runner across on a 2nd inning double from Sam Fuld and then 3 more runs in the 4th. With Price controlling all his pitches and both sides of the plate, the game nearly felt over by the 5th inning.

The Tribe was eventually able to pry 2 runs off a tired Price in the 8th inning, but by the bottom of the Rays had already built an unsurmountable 8-2 lead. Rob Delaney pitched a quiet and quick 9th inning, and the Rays took their 21st win. They have one more game in Cleveland before returning to Tropicana Field on Friday.

Notes from the game:

Evan Longoria took a pitch off his upper-back, near the armpit. The beaning looked painful as he jumped in the air and laid still on the ground for a few moments. Fortunately, he finished the game and did not appear to suffer any ill effects from the hit.
Ben Zobrist hit his 8th home run, a towering blast to the right field bleachers. In the next inning, Matt Joyce did the same, hitting his ~~5th~~ 4th homer. Both Zobrist and Joyce have been displaying a potent blend of power and patience and continue to be major cogs in the Rays 2011 offense.
Sam Fuld broke out of his mini-slump, going 3 for 4 with a double and a steal. He also made some decent plays in the outfield, including a quick throw on an Asdrubal Cabrera double that nearly had the Indians shortstop out at second.
Price also made three impressive snags (one of his right wrist) tonight. Mayhaps a gold glove is in his future?

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Comments

Pretty sure that was Joyce's 4th homer.

Rather than his 5th.

by mint420 on May 11, 2011 10:59 PM EDT reply actions

It's Joyce's 5th

since Sept 5, 2010

by Ben Tumbling on May 11, 2011 11:04 PM EDT up reply actions

I'm just guessing on the date btw

by Ben Tumbling on May 11, 2011 11:04 PM EDT up reply actions

Ben Zobrist has 18.

Since April 2010.

by mint420 on May 11, 2011 11:10 PM EDT up reply actions

He had none in November 2010.

This post was written by a member of the DRaysBay community and does not necessarily express the views or opinions of DRaysBay staff.

by DeadeyeRR on May 12, 2011 8:53 AM EDT up reply actions

Hosmer SF 4-3

PIZZA?!?

by Transplanted on May 11, 2011 11:30 PM EDT reply actions

Was hoping he'd hit a grand slam.

Oh well, let’s hope the Royals can keep them from scoring this time.

by mint420 on May 11, 2011 11:32 PM EDT up reply actions

Royals close it out 4-3

PIZZA?!?

by Transplanted on May 11, 2011 11:44 PM EDT reply actions

David Price is becoming the true definition of an ace

Hopefully he and James Shields can continue the 1-2 dominance and save the pen. The bottom three right now are having problems getting out of the 6th

follow me on twitter @sternfan10

by sternfan1 on May 12, 2011 7:27 AM EDT reply actions

Since when do you say not-hateful things about Shields?

If John Jaso somehow strikes out, it means you didn’t do your job right as an umpire.
by raysrule44 on Jul 9, 2010 8:37 PM CDT

by Vin on May 12, 2011 7:31 AM EDT up reply actions

Let's start with baby steps and ask

Since when does he refer to him as anything other than Yields?

Maddon's Mission
Make you want to kill him, then make you want to love him. Sly.

by Jonah Keri on Jun 19, 2010 10:31 PM EDT

by Doug09 on May 12, 2011 7:37 AM EDT up reply actions

Price's maturation has great.

He’s on pace for a 6 WAR year right now….that would pretty easily be the best year from a pitcher that we’ve ever gotten.

I love Casey Fossum. Now try and take me seriously. -- @steveslow

by Steve Slowinski on May 12, 2011 8:09 AM EDT up reply actions

What's Shields on pace for?

www.DRaysBay.com

by Erik Hahmann on May 12, 2011 8:10 AM EDT up reply actions

About the same, but with one fewer start so far.

I love Casey Fossum. Now try and take me seriously. -- @steveslow

by Steve Slowinski on May 12, 2011 9:01 AM EDT up reply actions

He's been the best LHP in baseball so far this year by every measure.

by rglass44 on May 12, 2011 10:39 AM EDT up reply actions

I hope he keeps it up since I was one of the few that thought he would have a good year

@SandyKazmir
Yes I've only been a fan since 2009. You got me.
by blackraven on May 5, 2011 3:46 PM EDT

by Sandy Kazmir on May 12, 2011 10:45 AM EDT up reply actions

That isn't true at all.

by rglass44 on May 12, 2011 10:48 AM EDT up reply actions

.

David Price is going to be awful and we should drop him while we can.
by rglass44 on Apr 20, 1969 4:20 AM EDT up reply actions

@SandyKazmir
Yes I've only been a fan since 2009. You got me.
by blackraven on May 5, 2011 3:46 PM EDT

by Sandy Kazmir on May 12, 2011 10:52 AM EDT up reply actions

got me

by rglass44 on May 12, 2011 11:21 AM EDT up reply actions

Does anyone else find it incredibly gratifying to see Joyce and Zobrist doing so well?

Like way more gratifying than it should be.

If John Jaso somehow strikes out, it means you didn’t do your job right as an umpire.
by raysrule44 on Jul 9, 2010 8:37 PM CDT

by Vin on May 12, 2011 7:33 AM EDT reply actions

-

Maddon's Mission
Make you want to kill him, then make you want to love him. Sly.

by Jonah Keri on Jun 19, 2010 10:31 PM EDT

by Doug09 on May 12, 2011 7:42 AM EDT up reply actions

Yeaaa...completely agree.

I can’t help but root for those guys extra hard, so it’s really awesome to see them do so well.

I love Casey Fossum. Now try and take me seriously. -- @steveslow

by Steve Slowinski on May 12, 2011 8:06 AM EDT up reply actions

I call it the sf1 effect.

by rglass44 on May 12, 2011 10:40 AM EDT up reply actions

Will there be retaliation?

Longo got STUNG

by Professor Twain on May 12, 2011 7:37 AM EDT reply actions

I hope so, but can't afford to lose Shields to a suspension

Go for Choo, Santana or Ass dribble

follow me on twitter @sternfan10

by sternfan1 on May 12, 2011 8:04 AM EDT up reply actions

That's another amazing nickname.

One of your own?

I love Casey Fossum. Now try and take me seriously. -- @steveslow

by Steve Slowinski on May 12, 2011 8:06 AM EDT up reply actions

As silly as that nickname is

It is literally all I hear when I hear his name

@RealNolenBailey

by Hatfield on May 12, 2011 8:10 AM EDT up reply actions

Of course

follow me on twitter @sternfan10

by sternfan1 on May 12, 2011 8:10 AM EDT up reply actions

lol... no

by rglass44 on May 12, 2011 10:40 AM EDT up reply actions

That nickname has been flying around everywhere.

No one can claim credit for it.

As you can always expect come from behind victory is when you least expect it.

by Buc Wild on May 12, 2011 8:30 AM EDT up reply actions

Someone can claim credit for it, it doesn't make them right

@SandyKazmir
Yes I've only been a fan since 2009. You got me.
by blackraven on May 5, 2011 3:46 PM EDT

by Sandy Kazmir on May 12, 2011 9:04 AM EDT up reply actions

Are you kidding me? Literally everyone calls him that

The caller said the boy, after removing the bulb from its socket, left the building and threw the bulb on the ground. When the bulb broke, the caller said the boy screamed "My electrolytes are down after the workout today…I fail"

by Top Gun Numba 1 on May 12, 2011 9:35 AM EDT up reply actions

Price played leader of the pack

last night.I got the feeling from him , that he was there to dominate the game.It seemed like the rest of the team fed off of what he came to do.That game was over after 4 points that we put up.The way Joe played his (ANOTHER WAY) managing style to get those runs was a thrill to watch.This team was hitting on all cylinders last night. I don’t think there will be any beanball action tonight. The Injuns ran coward at the end of the game. Acta took out beanball man when Longo came back up and their power hitters wanted nothing to do with Price,they wanted dugout seats.

by Landlord on May 12, 2011 8:10 AM EDT reply actions

Santana Looked Scared

After that first fastball to him was up and in. And then he was off balance for the rest of the at bat. I think I enjoyed making him think about it and then striking him out more than I would have an actual retaliation beaning.

by Whelk on May 12, 2011 8:18 AM EDT up reply actions

He was big time bailing out ala Kruk v Randy Johnson

This post was written by a member of the DRaysBay community and does not necessarily express the views or opinions of DRaysBay staff.

by DeadeyeRR on May 12, 2011 8:50 AM EDT up reply actions

agreed

by rglass44 on May 12, 2011 10:41 AM EDT up reply actions

"4 points"

by rglass44 on May 12, 2011 10:41 AM EDT up reply actions

Wait. Where's all the calls for benching Sam Fuld?

That’s odd. It’s like one good game has totally changed everyone’s minds. Oh well.

A DRaysBay and FanGraphs writer from Cubs Stats and Twitter @BradleyWoodrum

by BWoodrum on May 12, 2011 8:33 AM EDT reply actions

All of us know Sammy

will take his rightful spot on the bench in due time.Just like your boy Danjo will be taking his.He already has one foot out the door.

by Landlord on May 12, 2011 8:41 AM EDT up reply actions

Maybe they should get some Magical Eye Surgery to fix whatever is wrong with them.

by MagicMark on May 12, 2011 8:42 AM EDT up reply actions

Magic beans

@SandyKazmir
Yes I've only been a fan since 2009. You got me.
by blackraven on May 5, 2011 3:46 PM EDT

by Sandy Kazmir on May 12, 2011 9:06 AM EDT up reply actions

(recent) results bias

by MagicMark on May 12, 2011 8:41 AM EDT up reply actions

He was able to zero in on the art of hitting line drives.

Can’t wait for Guyer to be back up.

This post was written by a member of the DRaysBay community and does not necessarily express the views or opinions of DRaysBay staff.

by DeadeyeRR on May 12, 2011 8:49 AM EDT up reply actions

I want Guyer to be NOT in a platoon whence he returns.

Let’s let B.J. move on via trade before we make our outfield logjam any worse.

A DRaysBay and FanGraphs writer from Cubs Stats and Twitter @BradleyWoodrum

by BWoodrum on May 12, 2011 9:00 AM EDT up reply actions

I'm in favor of Guyer up over having so many pitchers, though

www.DRaysBay.com

by Erik Hahmann on May 12, 2011 9:00 AM EDT up reply actions

As long as Sonny's on a strict pitch count, I'm fine with more pitchers.

Also, as long as Sonny’s looking terrible, I’m fine with more pitchers.

A DRaysBay and FanGraphs writer from Cubs Stats and Twitter @BradleyWoodrum

by BWoodrum on May 12, 2011 9:01 AM EDT up reply actions

I really hope they decide to call someone back up.

I know it’s just a handful of starts and maybe I’m overreacting, but I don’t want to see Sonny back out there again.

I love Casey Fossum. Now try and take me seriously. -- @steveslow

by Steve Slowinski on May 12, 2011 9:04 AM EDT up reply actions

I'd like to think this is Hayhurst's shot, but he's still injured. :(

Oh well, the dream continues to be a dream.

A DRaysBay and FanGraphs writer from Cubs Stats and Twitter @BradleyWoodrum

by BWoodrum on May 12, 2011 9:10 AM EDT up reply actions

What is your fascination with Hayhurst? I'm glad he's a witty, intelligent yarn-spinner, but I don't think he's all that great at his day job

@SandyKazmir
Yes I've only been a fan since 2009. You got me.
by blackraven on May 5, 2011 3:46 PM EDT

by Sandy Kazmir on May 12, 2011 9:12 AM EDT up reply actions

Oh, well then examine his statistics!

I’m sorry, but the only bad stat he has is his age:

2007 A+: 2.65 FIP
2007 AA: 3.22 FIP
2008 AAA: 3.06 FIP
2009 AAA: 3.56 FIP
-— (year off) -—
2011 AAA: 2.53 FIP

This is good enough for long man duty and spot starts. Factor in his favorable contract, and this is an excellent buy-low project.

A DRaysBay and FanGraphs writer from Cubs Stats and Twitter @BradleyWoodrum

by BWoodrum on May 12, 2011 9:19 AM EDT up reply actions

He was old for his league all of those years. It's pretty easy to go out and bait a bunch of youngans into weak contact, but I'd love to see him do it in the Majors

Guys like him are a dime a dozen in AAA. He’s on our team so I hope he can contribute in whatever role he is thrust into, but I sincerely doubt he has much of an impact in the Show. And since when do we use one stat around here? Particularly one stat that confirms your point. Seems a bit like cherry picking. In his Major League career over 39.3 innings he’s got an ERA/FIP/xFIP of 5.72/4.66/4.91. He has a tERA of 5.01. I’m glad you have found one of the few writers that isn’t an effeminate girly-man, but he ain’t much of a pitcher, either.

@SandyKazmir
Yes I've only been a fan since 2009. You got me.
by blackraven on May 5, 2011 3:46 PM EDT

by Sandy Kazmir on May 12, 2011 9:28 AM EDT up reply actions

hrrmmmm:

by rglass44 on May 12, 2011 10:45 AM EDT up reply actions

No platoon either. I want to see him develop

Same as Joyce. I understand the reasons for some platoons, but some of these guys they need to take the training wheels off of.

This post was written by a member of the DRaysBay community and does not necessarily express the views or opinions of DRaysBay staff.

by DeadeyeRR on May 12, 2011 9:09 AM EDT up reply actions

He's been facing righties since little league he should be fine

@SandyKazmir
Yes I've only been a fan since 2009. You got me.
by blackraven on May 5, 2011 3:46 PM EDT

by Sandy Kazmir on May 12, 2011 9:12 AM EDT up reply actions

That's what I am saying, but tell that to Madumb.

This post was written by a member of the DRaysBay community and does not necessarily express the views or opinions of DRaysBay staff.

by DeadeyeRR on May 12, 2011 9:13 AM EDT up reply actions

If the team was terrible, he'd get the playing time

As long as the team has a shot at winning it’s smarter to platoon

www.DRaysBay.com

by Erik Hahmann on May 12, 2011 9:25 AM EDT up reply actions

I was only 50% serious here

i understand the need to platoon, but sometimes it seems like it goes a little too far.

This post was written by a member of the DRaysBay community and does not necessarily express the views or opinions of DRaysBay staff.

by DeadeyeRR on May 12, 2011 9:55 AM EDT up reply actions

lets let bj move on?

Why are we so certain that this is the best move? We aren’t going to get much back because we value him higher than everyone else. Also he’s a productive major league at a premium spot. Those don’t grow on trees and there isn’t a soul in the minors that I’m convinced could do as well or better.

@thekidpow

by PlayOnWords on May 12, 2011 10:02 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Perhaps if you had an English degree you could talk like that to this man, but, oh wait, you do? Carry on with the verbal drubbing.

@SandyKazmir
Yes I've only been a fan since 2009. You got me.
by blackraven on May 5, 2011 3:46 PM EDT

by Sandy Kazmir on May 12, 2011 10:28 AM EDT up reply actions

agreed

Guyer’s “breakout” has me less concerned, but for a team with a relative dearth of position prospects at the upper levels I hesitate to trade any unless the return includes one (especially in a pennant chase).

by rglass44 on May 12, 2011 10:46 AM EDT up reply actions