Seemingly jealous of new teammate Sean Rodriguez, Kelly Shoppach is doing is best to steal some attention. Shoppach belted a two-run home run to give the Raysthe lead for the second straight day. Shoppach started at designated hitter with Dioner Navarro getting the duties behind the plate.
Navi also had a nice day at the plate going 3-3 with a double. The Rays won the game in the 10th inning on the strength of five straight hits including the go-ahead RBI by Angel Chavez. Mr. Chavez, this is your spring training moment...enjoy it while it lasts.
On the mound, James Shields threw 2.2 innings of shutout ball. The presumed opening day starter allowed three hits (all singles) and two walks. Shields was relieved by Jake McGee.
McGee has looked really good so far (at least in box scores) as he continues his comeback from Tommy John Surgery. The lefty tossed 1.1 innings allowing just one hit and struck out two more batters. The other interesting pitcher to watch today was Joaquin Benoit. Like McGee, Benoit missed all of last season, and has looked good so far. He was greeted to today's contest with a solo home run by Jimmy Rollins, however, he settled down over the rest of his 1.1 innings which included a strikeout.
Four in a row...Championship!