One of the disadvantagse of having an 8-5 job is that you start to fall asleep around 11pm. That's not real condusive to watching West Coast baseball, especially games that drag on like this one did. Thus, this recap won't be too heavy on the details. For those of you who did indeed stay up for it all, feel free to make points/observations in the comments.
- Shields didn't pitch his best through the first three innings, racking up 65 pitches and allowing two runs. The next three would go a bit smoother as he'd throw 9, 8, and 16 pitches. He had pretty good command of his four seam fastball on the night, throwing it at a 73 percent strike rate. Of course, Shields' most effective pitch was his changeup, which he used to rack up 10k's. When he's throwing that pitch for 80 percent strikes like he did last night, he's going to be real tough to beat. The Rays scored just enough runs to help get Shields his 55th career victory, tying Scott Kazmir's franchise record.
- The bullpen pitched the final three innings and didn't allow a baserunner. Rafael Soriano became the first pitcher in the majors this season to strike out the side on nine pitches.
- Seeing B.J. Upton turn on a 93mph fastball and crush it into the left field seats is such a beautiful sight. It was a good night for Upton, as he also had a run scoring double. He also hit two deep fly ball that were caught against the wall in center. Another foot or so on each and he may have had three homers on the night.
- The balls Upton hit were caught by Peter Bourjos. Bourjos is the man who the Angels feel so strongly about that they moved Tori Hunter to right field. He showed everyone why last night by making several fantastic plays at and above the wall.
- 5.1 innings pitched, 103 pitches for Scott Kazmir. Some things never change.
What did you all think?