I think Matt Garza is ready for the season to begin. A day after James Shields put up a solid seven inning performance, Matt Garza one-upped him, going seven innings while allowing one earned run, striking out seven, and walking one. Sure, this is the Pirates we're talking about, but it's certainly a good sign that Garza is looking ready to go. Grant Balfour also pitched today and struck out one in two-thirds of an inning, allowing two hits in the process.
Offensively, the Rays continued to rake. Carlos Pena hit his second home run of the spring, while also drawing two walks in four plate appearances. Consider that slump busted. Sean Rodriguez and Ben Zobrist each had three hits, including a a home run by Zobrist. Oh, and Crawford went two for three with two doubles and a walk. Pat Burrell was 0 for 2, but he did accrue one walk; that's got to count for something, right?
Per the Tampa Tribune, the win today puts the Rays' spring training record at 17-7, only one win behind their franchise record of 18 wins in 2008. There's no relation between spring training wins and regular season wins, but I'll admit it feels better as a fan for the Rays to win than to go 7-17.