Tampa Bay Rays’ James Shields talks of lacklustre performance against Texas Rangers in Game 2
Tampa Bay Rays’ pitcher James Shields was involved in Game 2 of the American League Division Series on Saturday, October 1 at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. Searching for the club’s second game win in the series, the hurler went up against the Texas Rangers.
The ball thrower managed to allow one hit off three innings, while his team-mates gathered three runs. However things instantly changed in the fourth inning when the pitcher went up against Elvis Andrus.
Shields hit Andrus with his pitch and subsequently loaded the bases before allowing a run with another hit pitch. This time Adrian Beltre was struck and the Rangers were 1-3. Mike Napoli made it 3-3 when his single against the hurler got Josh Hamilton and
Michael Young home. With the game square, things were chaotic. However Shields persevered as he brought David Murphy to a 1-2 pitch count.
However luck was not on Shields side as the next ball went for a wild pitch and ended up giving the Rangers a lead. Mitch Moreland made it 5-3 for the Texans with a grounder. The hurler later earned two more runs in the sixth as the relievers were unable
to finish the Rangers.
"I didn't do my job today," Shields said. "The fellas did a good job of getting a three-run lead for me. The Rangers ended up capitalizing through some mistake pitches that they hit."
The pitcher was speaking to the press after the game and he motioned for a comeback soon.
"It's frustrating," said Shields. "But it's one of those things where you kind of move on. ... We obviously wanted to come out of here up 2-0."
The Rays will most likely leave Shields out for Game 5 if the need arises. Tampa Bay will be hoping that Shields might be ready to be called up if they advance further in the playoffs. Though, the pitcher will be hoping to see himself back in the line-up
if the club qualifies for the American League Championships.
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