Devil Rays sweep Angels
If you picked up the sports page this morning and looked at the standings in the AL East, you would think that you were looking at it upside down because the Tampa Bay Devil Rays are 2nd in the division, two games behind the Red Sox, at 21-16 on the year. That is a .568 winning percentage. The reason why this is such a big deal is because by this time of year, they usually have the AL East cellar all but locked up. But for the first time in the clubs history, they are five games over .500.They also swept the Angels this weekend and now have a nine game winning streak at home. Carl Crawford lead the attack by hitting a three-run homer off Justin Speier to erase a 5-4 deficit in the sixth. Cliff Floyd coming off the DL after surgery on his knee, had RBI singles in his first two at bats. And B.J. Upton made his contribution with three hits, an RBI, and scored 3 runs.
Andy Sonnanstine started the game but didn't get the decision after posting four consecutive wins. Troy Percival pitched the ninth inning and held the Angels scoreless and earned his ninth save of the season to secure an 8-5 win in front of 13,010 people at Tropicana field.
Even though it is only May, Tampa Bay has been getting hitting when they need it, and the pitching has been coming through when the hitting isn't.
"I think that's what a good team does", said Devil Rays manager Joe Maddon.
Scott Kazmir,who got his first win of the season on Saturday by only allowing three hits and three walks while striking out six.Kazmir,combined with Andy Sonnanstine and starters Edwin Jackson and James Shields have been getting it done.While Dan Wheeler and Troy Percival have been providing great relief from the bullpen.
The lineup of Crawford, catcher Dioner Navarro, center fielder B.J. Upton, and now with Cliff Floyd's return,has carried the team up to this point.
It is refreshing to see a team like the Devil Rays turn it around, even if it doesn't last, there is some spark to this club.
They remain at home and start a four game series with the Yankees on Monday before they head to St. Louis to open interleague play this coming weekend.
Andy Sonnanstine
Andy Sonnanstine started the game but didn't get the decision after posting four consecutive wins. Troy Percival pitched the ninth inning and held the Angels scoreless and earned his ninth save of the season to secure an 8-5 win in front of 13,010 people at Tropicana field.
"I think that's what a good team does", said Devil Rays manager Joe Maddon.
Scott Kazmir,who got his first win of the season on Saturday by only allowing three hits and three walks while striking out six.Kazmir,combined with Andy Sonnanstine and starters Edwin Jackson and James Shields have been getting it done.While Dan Wheeler and Troy Percival have been providing great relief from the bullpen.
The lineup of Crawford, catcher Dioner Navarro, center fielder B.J. Upton, and now with Cliff Floyd's return,has carried the team up to this point.
It is refreshing to see a team like the Devil Rays turn it around, even if it doesn't last, there is some spark to this club.
They remain at home and start a four game series with the Yankees on Monday before they head to St. Louis to open interleague play this coming weekend.
