Tampa Bay Rays defeat Texas Rangers 9-0 in Game 1 of ALDS
01.10.11
ARLINGTON, Texas
They take chances, these Rays.
That's how they can send 22-year-old Matt Moore in his fourth big-association game out to start the AL Division Series opener. How they can move Kelly Shoppach, and his .176 usually, up to sixth in the batting order. How they can keep lefty-swinging Matt Joyce and DH Johnny Damon in the lineup against C.J. Wilson, the Texas liberal-hander who has tormented them for years.
And how, with a 9-0 Friday win behind them and ace James Shields wealthy to the mound tonight, they can feel so confident about their, well, chances in the get the better of-of-five series.
"Love 'em," centerfielder B.J. Upton said. "A guy we haven't hit the road drive off all year, we come in and beat him at their place, and we've got Shields universal (tonight). Throw in the way we're swinging the bats, and I like it. Who wouldn't like to have their horse on the tor on the road, up one already, especially best-of-five."
Moore had the biggest hand in it, ignoring any urging and throwing seven spectacular shutout innings while allowing only two hits. Shoppach was the objectionable offensive star, swatting not one but two home runs. Joyce and Damon, undeterred by the inherent disadvantages of facing Wilson, contributed key hits.
Source: Tampabay.com