Single, double, double, two runs scored and a runner on second with no outs. This is how Matt Garza's 2009 spring started. Out, wild pitch(scoring a third run), and two ground ball outs is how he survived his first inning. Luckily Garza would settle down in the second inning and retire the Blue Jays without surrendering a hit or a walk. I don't think any of us are surprised to see that he was a little bit amped up in his first live action of the spring; that's just Matt being Matt. Overall the numbers aren't pretty, but clearly Garza understands the deal.
"It's hard to get happy or ahead over the results," Garza said. "But it's about the process." ~ Heater
Final line:
|
Tampa Bay |
IP |
H |
R |
ER |
BB |
SO |
HR |
ERA |
|
2.0 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
13.50 |
Andy Sonnanstine was next in the debut line, however, because of an offensive explosion in the bottom half of the fifth, Sonny only worked one perfect inning. The Rays scored five runs in the bottom half of the inning and we're guessing Joe Maddon didn't want to send him out there after a long delay. Mitch Talbot also worked a perfect inning for the Rays.
After waiting all spring, we were graced by the presence of David Price. Like Garza, Price was a bit on edge to start the game. He walked his first batter and went 2-0 on the next before composing himself and getting a strikeout. He then got a pop up and another K to retire the side. On the day his line looked like:
|
Tampa Bay |
IP |
H |
R |
ER |
BB |
SO |
HR |
ERA |
|
2.0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
3 |
0 |
0.00 |
Fernando Perez was injured in the first inning while diving for a ball in centerfield. He was taken out of the lineup and replaced by Mr. March 2009, Jon Weber. We are still awaiting word on the results from x-rays on Perez's arm.
Pat or shall we call him Bat Burrell came through with his first home run and in grand fashion. Burrell put the Rays ahead for good with a fifth inning grand slam. Reid Brignac went 2-4 with two RBI and two runs scored. I'll go ahead and call it now...BREAKOUT!