Jeff Niemann shines as Tampa Bay Rays defeat Seattle Mariners 8-0 – MLB Update
Tampa Bay Rays’ starter Jeff Niemann had an outstanding day with the ball, as he worked six innings in the 8-0 victory over the Seattle Mariners in the first outing of the three-game series at Safeco Field in Seattle, Washington on Thursday, July 29.
Niemann not only broke down the Mariners’ batting line-up with his career-high 11 strike-outs but also became the best pitcher in the history of the Rays to score a 1.06 ERA and 3-0 record. Before entering this month, he was 2-4 with a 5.00 ERA and before
going to disabled list, he had 1-4 with 5.74 ERA, but he made a comeback in a brilliant way.
After coming off the DL, he got four straight wins with a 1.88 ERA.
No one else can be happier with Niemann’s devastating return than the Rays’ manager Joe Maddon, who said, "He's been outstanding the whole month. It's great to see him get back in this manner."
Along with unforgettable exhibition by Niemann, one more thing that stunned the Mariners’ fans was the eight run second inning. Rays’ Desmond Jennings walked to gather a lead off run, Johnny Damon singled to shallow-centre, Evan Longoria grounded out to
short-stop, allowing Jennings to score and Ben Zobrist launched a solo homer. Casey Kotchman and Kelly Shoppach each singled to post 8-0 lead in the top of the second inning.
"We got up early so it was nice to have like a no-stress game there," Zobrist said. "I feel more like me as a hitter. I felt like early this season and a lot last season I did not get to the point where I felt as comfortable like I have been the past couple
months."
J.P. Howell and Brandon Gomes combined to work last three innings without allowing any run.
Mariners’ ace Erik Bedard allowed five runs, three hits and four walks over one inning. Reliever Aaron Laffey gave away three runs on four hits and walked two over a single inning. After the second inning, the Mariners’ pitcher tossed strong pitches. Jamey
Wright remained scoreless in three innings, Chris Ray tossed a two-hitter two innings and closer Josh Lueke did not allow even a single hit.
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