Tampa Bay Rays Even the World Series 1-1

by Jon Azpiri | October 23, 2008 at 09:19 pm

229 views | 0 Recommendations | 0 comments

After a tough Game 1 loss where the highlight was a free taco giveaway, the Tampa Bay Rays relied on solid pitching to eke out a 4-2 over the Philadelphia Phillies. Starting pitcher James Shields pitched a solid 7 and two-thirds innings before young reliever David Price came on in relief.

Shields historically pitches well at home. He finished the regular season with a 9-2 record and an ERA of 2.59 ERA. Tonight he pitched a near shutout, allowing no runs in the first five and two-thirds shutout innings.

He was replaced by Price, who managed to bend but not break during a challenging stint in relief. After allowing a two men on base, the 23-year-old shut the door on slugger Ryan Howard to end the seventh inning. In the eighth, Price gave up a home run to Rays reserve Eric Bruntlett, but retired the rest of the Phillies lineup to preserve the win.

Rays pitching has managed to frustrate the Phillies, a team that has struggled to hit the ball in clutch situations. The Phillies are 0-19 with runners with scoring position, by far the most glaring statistic of the 2008 World Series.

The Phillies will hope a return home will provide a shift in momentum. Game 3 of the World Series is set for Saturday night. ALCS MVP Matt Garza is scheduled to start for Tampa Bay while 45-year-old Jamie Moyer will start for the hometown team. It will mark the veteran pitcher's first-ever World Series appearance.

Without a little more run support from his teammates, it may also be Moyer's last.