James Shields shines as Tampa Bay Rays rout Texas Rangers 6-0 - MLB Update
Starter James Shields strikes-out eight as the Tampa Bay Rays blank the Texas Rangers 6-0 at Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Florida on September 9, 2012 in the last match of the three game series.
Rays leaped to a substantial lead right in the beginning of the game. At the end of the first two innings, they were leading by four runs. On the other hand Rangers were finding it difficult to connect hits against Shields.
The fact Rangers struck just two hits in the whole game spells the misery they endured on Sunday at the plate.
It was the easiest of the victories for Rays as during the game they were not threatened by the Rangers.
The game will be remembered for the immaculate nine innings that Shields completed. The best part of his outing was the way he made it nearly impossible for the batters to strike hits off his pitches. Furthermore the number of strike-outs he generated in
the game was another reflection of his dominance.
Shields was not alone in bringing a comprehensive victory for the team. While he led the pitching staff, B.J. Upton stood out offensively. Smacking three home-runs in the game, Upton inspired the whole crowd in the stadium.
James is extremely impressed by the offensive fireworks that Upton launched from the plate. Calling him the best player of the match, he believes hammering three home-runs in a game is no small achievement.
"He's player of the game as far as I'm concerned," Shields said. "Three home runs in one game ... it's probably the first time he's ever done that in a game. He's really locked in right now. He's one of the guys that, I told everyone this year, he's my pick
to click and he's really showing it down the stretch here."
Upton is jubilant after going through probably his best outing on the plate in the season.
"You kind of dream about doing things like that and they don't happen very often," Upton said. "And to do that against a Ranger ballclub that pitches pretty well is a great feeling."
Rays will be looking to keep their momentum afloat in the upcoming games. It will be interesting to see as to how they maintain their present success as they head to play crucial matches ahead.
Tags: