James Shields, affectionately known as “Big Game James,” lived up to his moniker in Game 2 of the World Series Thursday night, as the Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Philadelphia Phillies, 4-2, to even up the series.
Shields threw 5 2/3 innings of shutout ball, giving up seven hits and striking out four batters.
“As far as my game goes tonight, I thought I pitched pretty well,” Shields said. “I thought my stuff was good and my change-up was exceptional tonight.”
Phillies starter Brett Myers pitched seven innings and allowed seven hits, walked three and gave up four runs.
Although the Rays’ offense was out-hit by the Phillies, 9-7, Tampa Bay was able to generate offense and produce runs.
After a leadoff walk in the first inning to Tampa Bay second baseman Akinori Iwamura, Myers gave up a single to B.J. Upton, who advanced to second on a fielding error by Phillies’ right fielder Jayson Werth. Iwamura scored on a groundout by Carlos Pena, and Evan Longoria grounded out to score Upton for the Rays’ second run of the inning.
Longoria, a former Dirtbag, remained hitless in his Series debut but did manage to produce one RBI and make some plays with his glove at third. His Series totals are 0-for-8 with four strikeouts and one error.
The Rays added a run in the second inning on an RBI single by Upton, who finished 2-for-4.
In the fourth inning, Jason Bartlett was able to score Cliff Floyd on a squeeze bunt, the first run scored on a sacrifice bunt in a World Series game since 1996.
After Shields left the game in the sixth inning, Rays’ reliever Dan Wheeler got Pedro Feliz to ground out and end the inning. Wheeler and fellow relief pitcher David Price combined to strike out the side in the seventh.
Price stayed in the game, giving up a pinch-hit, solo home run to Eric Bruntlett in the eighth. Price then registered the final seven outs of the game.
The Phillies continued struggling to bring base runners home, going a combined 1-for-28 with runners in scoring position in Game 1 and 2 at Tropicana Field. They hope to change their fortunes as the scene shifts to the “City of Brotherly Love” for the next three games.
“I’m concerned about us hitting with guys on base, because it looks like at times we might be trying a little too hard,” said Phillies manger Charlie Manuel. ” But we can fix that.”
Saturday night’s Game 3 probable starters are Jamie Moyer for the Phillies and Matt Garza of the Rays. The first pitch is scheduled for 5:35 p.m. at Citizens Bank Park with a chance of rain.
baby D is taking over diz joint!!!
=)