By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer

In Print: Sunday, October 23, 2011

ST. PETERSBURG — The Rays showed considerable faith in Reid Brigac at the start of last year, handing him his first starting job at shortstop.

They had reason to have confidence that, with Brignac’s impressive defensive skills, he could take over for former team MVP Jason Bartlett, who was traded to the Padres.

And even after a disappointing season for Brignac, in which he hit .193 and was sent down to the minors mid-year, it appears Tampa Bay is willing to give him another shot to man shortstop. But he’s going to have to earn it.

“He’ll battle for the spot, absolutely,” manager Joe Maddon said. “I thought he made some really good adjustments when he came back up. Defense has never been an issue. I love his defense. It’s about making him more of a complete player offensively. I’m not just talking about getting hits, playing the situational game. Base running needs to be worked on a bit, too.”

Maddon has raved about Brignac’s hands at short, saying he’s a good enough shortstop (defensively, speaking) to win a World Series with. But after posting the eighth-lowest average among players with 200 at-bats or more, including just five extra-base hits, Brignac, 25, lost his job and was optioned to Triple-A Durham.

Brignac, as confident as any Rays player, said he grew up a bit in his stint back in the minors, and was very appreciative when he got called back up Aug. 10. He got a start in the American League Division Series.

Though Maddon praised Brignac for how he handled everything, he wasn’t ready to give him his everyday job back once he was recalled. Sean Rodriguez and Elliot Johnson got some starts there too against left-handers.

That could be an option again this year, or a veteran infielder could be brought in to compete in spring training (much like INF Felipe Lopez was signed to a minor-league deal last year to push for a bench role).

But it appears the ball will be in Brignac’s court. And he’ll need to bring his bat.

HOT STOVE: It comes as little surprise the Angels would express interest and interview Rays executive VP Andrew Friedman, like they did last week. And it is far from a shock Friedman would be their top choice for their open GM spot, as Foxsports.com reported. But it also seems like a stretch Friedman would leave the Rays for Anaheim; he hasn’t spoken like a man looking to go anywhere. Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports tweeted, quoting one source, “(Friedman’s) not going.”

RAYS RUMBLINGS: Among all the interesting revelations in the convoluted compensation package for Theo Epstein, the Red Sox initially wanted Cubs RHP (and ex-Ray) Matt Garza to be included as compensation for Epstein taking over Chicago’s GM spot. … Rays 1B Casey Kotchman took a road trip last week with his father, long-time minor league manager and scout Tom Kotchman, and visited the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y. “It was his idea,” Casey told baseballhall.org. “He wanted to go and I just said okay. But I’m glad he did.” … Among the Rays prospects in the Arizona Fall League this year are former top pick SS Tim Beckham and 2011 first-round pick OF Mikie Mahtook, both with the Surprise Saguaros. … Former Rays RHP Edwin Jackson is scheduled to start Game 4 tonight for the Cardinals against the Rangers. … RHP James Shields (Outstanding Pitcher), RHP Jeremy Hellickson (Outstanding Rookie) and Kotchman (Comeback Player) are finalists for Players Choice Awards, with winners announced Nov. 3.

Joe Smith can be reached at joesmith@sptimes.com

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BALTIMORE – The Tampa Bay Rays couldn’t hide their disappointment after losing another game to last-place Baltimore.

The Rays botched an excellent opportunity to gain ground in the wild-card race, getting only three hits over seven innings against Jeremy Guthrie in a 6-2 loss to the Orioles on Wednesday night.

After watching Boston lose to Toronto in an afternoon game, the Rays took the field with a chance to close within three games of the Red Sox in the AL wild-card hunt.

Instead, they lost a second straight game to the team with the second-worst record in the American League.

“They shut us down for two games. We can’t permit that to happen,” Tampa Bay manager Joe Maddon said.

Especially against the pitcher with the most losses in baseball. Guthrie (8-17) tied a career high with 10 strikeouts and allowed only two runs to win a second consecutive start for the first time this season.

“We have to figure out a way to get it done,” Maddon said. “We can’t miss out on these opportunities.”

Next up for the Rays: Four games against the Red Sox at Fenway Park, beginning Thursday night. Tampa Bay swept a three-game series from Boston last weekend and is 9-5 against the Red Sox, including 4-1 on the road.

“Let’s get out of here and get up there, get our mojo back,” Maddon said.

Wade Davis (10-9) gave up a three-run homer to Chris Davis and a solo shot to Nolan Reimold. Wade Davis, who allowed four runs and seven hits in 6 1-3 innings, is 4-1 in six career starts at Camden Yards.

Matt Wieters added a two-run shot in the eighth off Matt Moore, who was making his major league debut. It was Wieters’ 20th home run, the third in three games.

“Obviously, we wanted this win and last night,” Rays center fielder B.J. Upton said. “But we’re going into Boston for four, so we need to flush this one as quickly as we can.”

If the Rays fall short in their bid to reach the playoffs, they can blame either a 1-8 start or their 9-9 record against the Orioles, who are 14-33 against the rest of the AL East.

“These guys have our number right now. They have played us well all year,” Maddon said.

Guthrie improved to 6-10 lifetime against Tampa Bay, 2-3 this season. He also beat the Rays on opening day.

“He just kept the ball down and didn’t leave it over the middle of plate,” Upton said. “He has always had good stuff and he showed that today.”

Jim Johnson worked the final two innings for his sixth save, the second in two nights.

Guthrie retired the first eight batters before Reid Brignac singled in the third. Reimold opened the bottom half with his 10th home run, a low-flying line drive that glanced off the top of the left-field wall and into the seats.

The lead didn’t last long. Guthrie walked two of the first three batters in the fourth and Matt Joyce cleared the bases with a two-out double.

In the Baltimore half, Vladimir Guerrero beat out a slow roller to third, Wieters doubled and Chris Davis hit an opposite-field homer to left on an 0-2 pitch for a 4-2 lead.

That was enough to saddle the Rays with another distressing defeat.

“Every time you lose a game it is a lost opportunity,” Rays designated hitter Johnny Damon said. “Just because it is Baltimore, we didn’t let up at all. The home run ball helped them out tonight, as well as last night.”

Tampa Bay’s final threat came in the seventh. Damon drew a leadoff walk and took second on a single by Joyce before Guthrie sandwiched two strikeouts around a fly ball by John Jaso.

Guthrie was more delighted about playing a part in beating the Rays than he was in earning a rare win.

“We matched up well at the plate, we pitched well and got some big hits,” the right-hander said. “It’s a nice series.”

NOTES: Rays OF Sam Fuld left in the fifth inning with a wrist injury. … Tampa Bay recalled LHP Alex Torres from Triple-A Durham and purchased the contract of 1B Dan Johnson from Durham, giving the team 34 players in uniform. … The Rays’ rotation for the Boston series: Jeremy Hellickson (12-10), James Shields (15-10), Jeff Niemann (10-7) and David Price (12-12). Tampa Bay has held the Red Sox to a .177 batting average, including .158 in Boston. … Orioles CF Adam Jones (thumb) hopes to return Friday after missing a fifth straight start. He entered as a defensive replacement in the ninth. … After a day off Thursday, the Orioles resume play Friday against another playoff hopeful, the Los Angeles Angels. Tommy Hunter (3-4) starts for Baltimore against Dan Haren (15-8).

BALTIMORE (AP) — The Tampa Bay Rays couldn’t hide their disappointment after losing another game to last-place Baltimore.

The Rays botched an excellent opportunity to gain ground in the wild-card race, getting only three hits over seven innings against Jeremy Guthrie in a 6-2 loss to the Orioles on Wednesday night.

After watching Boston lose to Toronto in an afternoon game, the Rays took the field with a chance to close within three games of the Red Sox in the AL wild-card hunt.

Instead, they lost a second straight game to the team with the second-worst record in the American League.

“They shut us down for two games. We can’t permit that to happen,” Tampa Bay manager Joe Maddon said.

Especially against the pitcher with the most losses in baseball. Guthrie (8-17) tied a career high with 10 strikeouts and allowed only two runs to win a second consecutive start for the first time this season.

“We have to figure out a way to get it done,” Maddon said. “We can’t miss out on these opportunities.”

Next up for the Rays: Four games against the Red Sox at Fenway Park, beginning Thursday night. Tampa Bay swept a three-game series from Boston last weekend and is 9-5 against the Red Sox, including 4-1 on the road.

“Let’s get out of here and get up there, get our mojo back,” Maddon said.

Wade Davis (10-9) gave up a three-run homer to Chris Davis and a solo shot to Nolan Reimold. Wade Davis, who allowed four runs and seven hits in 6 1-3 innings, is 4-1 in six career starts at Camden Yards.

Matt Wieters added a two-run shot in the eighth off Matt Moore, who was making his major league debut. It was Wieters’ 20th home run, the third in three games.

“Obviously, we wanted this win and last night,” Rays center fielder B.J. Upton said. “But we’re going into Boston for four, so we need to flush this one as quickly as we can.”

If the Rays fall short in their bid to reach the playoffs, they can blame either a 1-8 start or their 9-9 record against the Orioles, who are 14-33 against the rest of the AL East.

“These guys have our number right now. They have played us well all year,” Maddon said.

Guthrie improved to 6-10 lifetime against Tampa Bay, 2-3 this season. He also beat the Rays on opening day.

“He just kept the ball down and didn’t leave it over the middle of plate,” Upton said. “He has always had good stuff and he showed that today.”

Jim Johnson worked the final two innings for his sixth save, the second in two nights.

Guthrie retired the first eight batters before Reid Brignac singled in the third. Reimold opened the bottom half with his 10th home run, a low-flying line drive that glanced off the top of the left-field wall and into the seats.

The lead didn’t last long. Guthrie walked two of the first three batters in the fourth and Matt Joyce cleared the bases with a two-out double.

In the Baltimore half, Vladimir Guerrero beat out a slow roller to third, Wieters doubled and Chris Davis hit an opposite-field homer to left on an 0-2 pitch for a 4-2 lead.

That was enough to saddle the Rays with another distressing defeat.

“Every time you lose a game it is a lost opportunity,” Rays designated hitter Johnny Damon said. “Just because it is Baltimore, we didn’t let up at all. The home run ball helped them out tonight, as well as last night.”

Tampa Bay’s final threat came in the seventh. Damon drew a leadoff walk and took second on a single by Joyce before Guthrie sandwiched two strikeouts around a fly ball by John Jaso.

Guthrie was more delighted about playing a part in beating the Rays than he was in earning a rare win.

“We matched up well at the plate, we pitched well and got some big hits,” the right-hander said. “It’s a nice series.”

NOTES: Rays OF Sam Fuld left in the fifth inning with a wrist injury. … Tampa Bay recalled LHP Alex Torres from Triple-A Durham and purchased the contract of 1B Dan Johnson from Durham, giving the team 34 players in uniform. … The Rays’ rotation for the Boston series: Jeremy Hellickson (12-10), James Shields (15-10), Jeff Niemann (10-7) and David Price (12-12). Tampa Bay has held the Red Sox to a .177 batting average, including .158 in Boston. … Orioles CF Adam Jones (thumb) hopes to return Friday after missing a fifth straight start. He entered as a defensive replacement in the ninth. … After a day off Thursday, the Orioles resume play Friday against another playoff hopeful, the Los Angeles Angels. Tommy Hunter (3-4) starts for Baltimore against Dan Haren (15-8).

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP)—Wade Davis(notes) went to a new pitch and finally had
success against the Boston Red Sox.

Davis threw a six-hitter, John Jaso(notes) hit a three-run homer and the Tampa Bay
Rays moved within 5 1/2 games of AL wild-card leading Boston with a 7-2 victory
over the Red Sox on Friday night.

“It’s actually the first time I’ve really started throwing a cutter,”
Davis said. “I’ve always thrown a slider and we just flattened it out a little
bit to stay in the strike zone more. It ended up being pretty effective.”

Davis (10-8) struck out eight in his second career complete game. The
right-hander, who had his other complete game on Sept. 17, 2009, had gone 0-2
with an 11.12 ERA in three previous starts against Boston. Tampa Bay pitchers
have 15 complete games this season.

“He had a pretty good cutter going,” Red Sox manager Terry Francona said.
“Threw it outside, inside and just ate us up.”

Jaso put the Rays ahead 3-0 with a three-run homer off John Lackey(notes) (12-12)
in the second. He entered 8 for 37 (.216) in 14 games since returning from
strained right oblique last month. Boston has lost five of six.

After two more games in Florida this weekend, the Red Sox will host Tampa
Bay in a four-games series that starts Thursday at Fenway Park.

“We do believe,” Rays manager Joe Maddon said. “It’s all about one at a
time. But obviously we have to make a big dent with these seven games.”

The Red Sox were without infielder Kevin Youkilis(notes), who returned to Boston to
have his sore hip examined by team doctors and undergo an MRI exam.

Francona said Youkilis has bursitis and received a cortisone shot. It has
not been determined if Youkilis will rejoin the team Saturday or wait in Boston
for the start of a homestand that begins.Tuesday.

Rays designated hitter Johnny Damon(notes) was back in the lineup after missing the
previous three games because of a sore right leg. He had an infield single
during the third that moved him past Doc Cramer into 62nd place on the all-time
hits with 2,706.

Damon and Matt Joyce(notes) had RBI singles in the third to made it 5-0. Jaso later
in the inning hit a two-out shot with the bases loaded off Lackey’s left leg,
but the pitcher recovered to picked up the ball and throw the Rays’ catcher out
at first.

Lackey left with a bruised calf and was replaced by Scott Atchison(notes) to start
the fourth. Lackey, who has lost three consecutive starts, gave up five runs,
five hits and three walks in a 69-pitch outing.

“It hit him good,” Francona said. “It’s sore.”

The Red Sox have not ruled out Lackey making his next scheduled start.

Jacoby Ellsbury(notes) extended his hitting streak to 14 games with an RBI infield
during a two-run sixth that got Boston within 5-2. The other run scored on Marco
Scutaro’s(notes) sacrifice fly.

“They don’t quit,” Maddon said of Boston. “They have the heart of a
champion.”

The Rays got both runs back in the bottom of the sixth on RBI doubles by
Reid Brignac(notes) and Evan Longoria(notes).

Notes: Tampa Bay has won 19 in a row when scoring five runs or more. …The
Rays are just the fifth AL team since 2000 to reach 15 complete games in the
same season. . … Francona said RHP’s Clay Buchholz(notes) (lower back) and Josh
Beckett(notes) (sprained right ankle) are making progress. A schedule for when Buchholz
could throw off a bullpen mound may be determined this weekend. … Boston
recalled Atchison from Triple-A Pawtucket before the game. … Red Sox RHP Kyle
Weiland(notes) (0-1) and Tampa Bay RHP Jeremy Hellickson(notes) (12-10) are Saturday’s
scheduled starters.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP)—Wade Davis(notes) went to a new pitch and finally had
success against the Boston Red Sox.

Davis threw a six-hitter, John Jaso(notes) hit a three-run homer and the Tampa Bay
Rays moved within 5 1/2 games of AL wild-card leading Boston with a 7-2 victory
over the Red Sox on Friday night.

“It’s actually the first time I’ve really started throwing a cutter,”
Davis said. “I’ve always thrown a slider and we just flattened it out a little
bit to stay in the strike zone more. It ended up being pretty effective.”

Davis (10-8) struck out eight in his second career complete game. The
right-hander, who had his other complete game on Sept. 17, 2009, had gone 0-2
with an 11.12 ERA in three previous starts against Boston. Tampa Bay pitchers
have 15 complete games this season.

“He had a pretty good cutter going,” Red Sox manager Terry Francona said.
“Threw it outside, inside and just ate us up.”

Jaso put the Rays ahead 3-0 with a three-run homer off John Lackey(notes) (12-12)
in the second. He entered 8 for 37 (.216) in 14 games since returning from
strained right oblique last month. Boston has lost five of six.

After two more games in Florida this weekend, the Red Sox will host Tampa
Bay in a four-games series that starts Thursday at Fenway Park.

“We do believe,” Rays manager Joe Maddon said. “It’s all about one at a
time. But obviously we have to make a big dent with these seven games.”

The Red Sox were without infielder Kevin Youkilis(notes), who returned to Boston to
have his sore hip examined by team doctors and undergo an MRI exam.

Francona said Youkilis has bursitis and received a cortisone shot. It has
not been determined if Youkilis will rejoin the team Saturday or wait in Boston
for the start of a homestand that begins.Tuesday.

Rays designated hitter Johnny Damon(notes) was back in the lineup after missing the
previous three games because of a sore right leg. He had an infield single
during the third that moved him past Doc Cramer into 62nd place on the all-time
hits with 2,706.

Damon and Matt Joyce(notes) had RBI singles in the third to made it 5-0. Jaso later
in the inning hit a two-out shot with the bases loaded off Lackey’s left leg,
but the pitcher recovered to picked up the ball and throw the Rays’ catcher out
at first.

Lackey left with a bruised calf and was replaced by Scott Atchison(notes) to start
the fourth. Lackey, who has lost three consecutive starts, gave up five runs,
five hits and three walks in a 69-pitch outing.

“It hit him good,” Francona said. “It’s sore.”

The Red Sox have not ruled out Lackey making his next scheduled start.

Jacoby Ellsbury(notes) extended his hitting streak to 14 games with an RBI infield
during a two-run sixth that got Boston within 5-2. The other run scored on Marco
Scutaro’s(notes) sacrifice fly.

“They don’t quit,” Maddon said of Boston. “They have the heart of a
champion.”

The Rays got both runs back in the bottom of the sixth on RBI doubles by
Reid Brignac(notes) and Evan Longoria(notes).

Notes: Tampa Bay has won 19 in a row when scoring five runs or more. …The
Rays are just the fifth AL team since 2000 to reach 15 complete games in the
same season. . … Francona said RHP’s Clay Buchholz(notes) (lower back) and Josh
Beckett(notes) (sprained right ankle) are making progress. A schedule for when Buchholz
could throw off a bullpen mound may be determined this weekend. … Boston
recalled Atchison from Triple-A Pawtucket before the game. … Red Sox RHP Kyle
Weiland(notes) (0-1) and Tampa Bay RHP Jeremy Hellickson(notes) (12-10) are Saturday’s
scheduled starters.

CBSSports.com wire reports
Sep. 9, 2011

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Wade Davis went to a new pitch and finally had success against the Boston Red Sox.

Davis threw a six-hitter, John Jaso hit a three-run homer and the Tampa Bay Rays moved within 5½ games of AL wild-card leading Boston with a 7-2 victory over the Red Sox on Friday night.

“It’s actually the first time I’ve really started throwing a cutter,” Davis said. “I’ve always thrown a slider and we just flattened it out a little bit to stay in the strike zone more. It ended up being pretty effective.”

Davis (10-8) struck out eight in his second career complete game. The right-hander, who had his other complete game on Sept. 17, 2009, had gone 0-2 with an 11.12 ERA in three previous starts against Boston. Tampa Bay pitchers have 15 complete games this season.

“He had a pretty good cutter going,” Red Sox manager Terry Francona said. “Threw it outside, inside and just ate us up.”

Jaso put the Rays ahead 3-0 with a three-run homer off John Lackey (12-12) in the second. He entered 8 for 37 (.216) in 14 games since returning from strained right oblique last month. Boston has lost five of six.

After two more games in Florida this weekend, the Red Sox will host Tampa Bay in a four-games series that starts Thursday at Fenway Park.

“We do believe,” Rays manager Joe Maddon said. “It’s all about one at a time. But obviously we have to make a big dent with these seven games.”

The Red Sox were without infielder Kevin Youkilis, who returned to Boston to have his sore hip examined by team doctors and undergo an MRI exam.

Francona said Youkilis has bursitis and received a cortisone shot. It has not been determined if Youkilis will rejoin the team Saturday or wait in Boston for the start of a homestand that begins.Tuesday.

Rays designated hitter Johnny Damon was back in the lineup after missing the previous three games because of a sore right leg. He had an infield single during the third that moved him past Doc Cramer into 62nd place on the all-time hits with 2,706.

Damon and Matt Joyce had RBI singles in the third to made it 5-0. Jaso later in the inning hit a two-out shot with the bases loaded off Lackey’s left leg, but the pitcher recovered to picked up the ball and throw the Rays’ catcher out at first.

Lackey left with a bruised calf and was replaced by Scott Atchison to start the fourth. Lackey, who has lost three consecutive starts, gave up five runs, five hits and three walks in a 69-pitch outing.

“It hit him good,” Francona said. “It’s sore.”

The Red Sox have not ruled out Lackey making his next scheduled start.

Jacoby Ellsbury extended his hitting streak to 14 games with an RBI infield during a two-run sixth that got Boston within 5-2. The other run scored on Marco Scutaro’s sacrifice fly.

“They don’t quit,” Maddon said of Boston. “They have the heart of a champion.”

The Rays got both runs back in the bottom of the sixth on RBI doubles by Reid Brignac and Evan Longoria.

Notes

• Tampa Bay has won 19 in a row when scoring five runs or more.
• The Rays are just the fifth AL team since 2000 to reach 15 complete games in the same season.
• Francona said RHP’s Clay Buchholz (lower back) and Josh Beckett (sprained right ankle) are making progress. A schedule for when Buchholz could throw off a bullpen mound may be determined this weekend.
• Boston recalled Atchison from Triple-A Pawtucket before the game.
• Red Sox RHP Kyle Weiland (0-1) and Tampa Bay RHP Jeremy Hellickson (12-10) are Saturday’s scheduled starters.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) – Wade Davis threw a six-hitter, John Jaso hit a three-run homer and the Tampa Bay Rays moved within 5 1/2 games of AL wild-card leading Boston with a 7-2 victory over the Red Sox on Friday night.

Davis (10-8) struck out eight in his second career complete game. The right-hander, who had his other complete game on Sept. 17, 2009, had gone 0-2 with an 11.12 ERA in three previous starts against Boston. Tampa Bay pitchers have 15 complete games this season.

Jaso put the Rays ahead 3-0 with a three-run homer off John Lackey (12-12) in the second. He entered 8 for 37 (.216) in 14 games since returning from strained right oblique last month.

Boston has lost five of six. After two more games in Florida this weekend, the Red Sox will host Tampa Bay in a four-games series that starts Thursday at Fenway Park.

The Red Sox were without infielder Kevin Youkilis, who returned to Boston to have his sore hip examined by team doctors and undergo an MRI exam.

Rays designated hitter Johnny Damon was back in the lineup after missing the previous three games because of a sore right leg. He had an infield single during the third that moved him past Doc Cramer into 62nd place on the all-time hits with 2,706.

Damon and Matt Joyce had RBI singles in the third to made it 5-0. Jaso later in the inning hit a two-out shot with the bases loaded off Lackey’s left leg, but the pitcher recovered to picked up the ball and throw the Rays’ catcher out at first.

Lackey left with a bruised calf and was replaced by Scott Atchison to start the fourth. Lackey, who has lost three consecutive starts, gave up five runs, five hits and three walks in a 69-pitch outing.

Jacoby Ellsbury extended his hitting streak to 14 games with an RBI infield during a two-run sixth that got Boston within 5-2. The other run scored on Marco Scutaro’s sacrifice fly.

The Rays got both runs back in the bottom of the sixth on RBI doubles by Reid Brignac and Evan Longoria.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

“He told us in the fifth inning that he was going to finish,” Texas manager Ron Washington said. “He had a good cutter working. Tight slider. Moving his fastball around. He was in control.”

The Rangers have 18 shutouts this season, one more than the previous team record set in 1977.

“Wow … It’s awesome,” Washington said.

Wilson (15-6) matched his career high in wins from last year and became the first Texas left-hander to record 15 or more wins in consecutive seasons. He threw 117 pitches in his third complete game of the year.

“I had enough pitches going,” said Wilson, who struck out six and walked three. “I was just mixing well.”

Murphy and Ian Kinsler homered for the Rangers, who are 3-2 on a six-game trip to Boston and Tampa Bay. Adrian Beltre extended his hitting streak to 12 games with a third-inning single.

Tampa Bay right-hander Jeff Niemann (9-7) gave up seven runs and nine hits in 4 2-3 innings. He has lost three of his last four starts.

Kinsler tied his own team record, set in 2009, with his seventh leadoff homer this season in the first. He has 26 homers this year, including five in his last six games.

Murphy started the second with his ninth homer, then hit a two-run double during Texas’ three-run third that made it 5-0. Josh Hamilton also had an RBI double in the third.

Hamilton tweaked his back during the game, but still played eight innings.

“No worries,” Washington said.

Murphy finished with four hits and came within a triple of hitting for the cycle.

Beltre hit a sacrifice fly and Murphy had a run-scoring double to make it 7-0 in the fifth. Mike Napoli added a run-scoring double in the eighth.

Wilson was working on a perfect game in last Thursday’s 7-2 win over the Rays when Casey Kotchman’s infield hit went off the pitcher’s left index finger in the sixth. Wilson departed after the inning.

“It’s not 100 percent,” Wilson said. “I think that’s why earlier in the game I had a little bit of trouble with the control. But it’s getting there.”

Kotchman got Tampa Bay’s first hit Tuesday when he flared an opposite-field single to left with one out in the second. Wilson induced an inning-ending double play from Kotchman with two on in the fourth.

Wilson is 3-0 in four career starts against Tampa Bay. He also threw 6 1-3 innings in Texas’ 6-0 win over the Rays in Game 2 of the 2010 AL division series.

“He did everything the same,” Tampa Bay manager Joe Maddon said. “He was very good. He does not miss against us. He’s just on the top of his game whenever he sees us in the batter’s box.”

Tampa Bay catcher Jose Labaton left with a sore left knee and is not expected to play Wednesday.

NOTES: Texas OF Nelson Cruz (strained left hamstring) is taking batting practice and will ramp up his running program this weekend. … Tampa Bay DH Johnny Damon (sore right leg) was out of the lineup for the second straight game. … Rays 3B Evan Longoria was the designated hitter for the third time this season. … Rangers RHP Alexi Ogando (12-7), skipped one time in the rotation, is scheduled to start Saturday against Oakland. … Texas RHP Tim Wood cleared waivers and was assigned to Triple-A Round Rock. … Tampa Bay LHP David Price (12-12) and Texas LHP Derek Holland (13-5) are the scheduled starters Wednesday. … Texas announced that former Rangers minor league player and coach Dave Moharter died Tuesday. He was 62.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Updated Sep 6, 2011 10:58 PM ET

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP)

C.J. Wilson got his first career shutout on a record-setting night for the Texas Rangers.

Wilson threw a five-hitter, David Murphy drove in four runs and the AL West-leading Rangers beat the Tampa Bay Rays 8-0 on Tuesday night.

”He told us in the fifth inning that he was going to finish,” Texas manager Ron Washington said. ”He had a good cutter working. Tight slider. Moving his fastball around. He was in control.”

The Rangers have 18 shutouts this season, one more than the previous team record set in 1977.

”Wow … It’s awesome,” Washington said.

Wilson (15-6) matched his career high in wins from last year and became the first Texas left-hander to record 15 or more wins in consecutive seasons. He threw 117 pitches in his third complete game of the year.

”I had enough pitches going,” said Wilson, who struck out six and walked three. ”I was just mixing well.”

Murphy and Ian Kinsler homered for the Rangers, who are 3-2 on a six-game trip to Boston and Tampa Bay. Adrian Beltre extended his hitting streak to 12 games with a third-inning single.

Tampa Bay right-hander Jeff Niemann (9-7) gave up seven runs and nine hits in 4 2-3 innings. He has lost three of his last four starts.

Kinsler tied his own team record, set in 2009, with his seventh leadoff homer this season in the first. He has 26 homers this year, including five in his last six games.

Murphy started the second with his ninth homer, then hit a two-run double during Texas’ three-run third that made it 5-0. Josh Hamilton also had an RBI double in the third.

Hamilton tweaked his back during the game, but still played eight innings.

”No worries,” Washington said.

Murphy finished with four hits and came within a triple of hitting for the cycle.

Beltre hit a sacrifice fly and Murphy had a run-scoring double to make it 7-0 in the fifth. Mike Napoli added a run-scoring double in the eighth.

Wilson was working on a perfect game in last Thursday’s 7-2 win over the Rays when Casey Kotchman’s infield hit went off the pitcher’s left index finger in the sixth. Wilson departed after the inning.

”It’s not 100 percent,” Wilson said. ”I think that’s why earlier in the game I had a little bit of trouble with the control. But it’s getting there.”

Kotchman got Tampa Bay’s first hit Tuesday when he flared an opposite-field single to left with one out in the second. Wilson induced an inning-ending double play from Kotchman with two on in the fourth.

Wilson is 3-0 in four career starts against Tampa Bay. He also threw 6 1-3 innings in Texas’ 6-0 win over the Rays in Game 2 of the 2010 AL division series.

”He did everything the same,” Tampa Bay manager Joe Maddon said. ”He was very good. He does not miss against us. He’s just on the top of his game whenever he sees us in the batter’s box.”

Tampa Bay catcher Jose Labaton left with a sore left knee and is not expected to play Wednesday.

Notes: Texas OF Nelson Cruz (strained left hamstring) is taking batting practice and will ramp up his running program this weekend. … Tampa Bay DH Johnny Damon (sore right leg) was out of the lineup for the second straight game. … Rays 3B Evan Longoria was the designated hitter for the third time this season. … Rangers RHP Alexi Ogando (12-7), skipped one time in the rotation, is scheduled to start Saturday against Oakland. … Texas RHP Tim Wood cleared waivers and was assigned to Triple-A Round Rock. … Tampa Bay LHP David Price (12-12) and Texas LHP Derek Holland (13-5) are the scheduled starters Wednesday. … Texas announced that former Rangers minor league player and coach Dave Moharter died Tuesday. He was 62.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP)—C.J. Wilson(notes) got his first career shutout on a
record-setting night for the Texas Rangers.

Wilson threw a five-hitter, David Murphy(notes) drove in four runs and the AL
West-leading Rangers beat the Tampa Bay Rays 8-0 on Tuesday night.

“He told us in the fifth inning that he was going to finish,” Texas
manager Ron Washington said. “He had a good cutter working. Tight slider.
Moving his fastball around. He was in control.”

The Rangers have 18 shutouts this season, one more than the previous team
record set in 1977.

“Wow … It’s awesome,” Washington said.

Wilson (15-6) matched his career high in wins from last year and became the
first Texas left-hander to record 15 or more wins in consecutive seasons. He
threw 117 pitches in his third complete game of the year.

“I had enough pitches going,” said Wilson, who struck out six and walked
three. “I was just mixing well.”

Murphy and Ian Kinsler(notes) homered for the Rangers, who are 3-2 on a six-game
trip to Boston and Tampa Bay. Adrian Beltre(notes) extended his hitting streak to 12
games with a third-inning single.

Tampa Bay right-hander Jeff Niemann(notes) (9-7) gave up seven runs and nine hits
in 4 2-3 innings. He has lost three of his last four starts.

Kinsler tied his own team record, set in 2009, with his seventh leadoff
homer this season in the first. He has 26 homers this year, including five in
his last six games.

Murphy started the second with his ninth homer, then hit a two-run double
during Texas’ three-run third that made it 5-0. Josh Hamilton(notes) also had an RBI
double in the third.

Hamilton tweaked his back during the game, but still played eight innings.

“No worries,” Washington said.

Murphy finished with four hits and came within a triple of hitting for the
cycle.

Beltre hit a sacrifice fly and Murphy had a run-scoring double to make it
7-0 in the fifth. Mike Napoli(notes) added a run-scoring double in the eighth.

Wilson was working on a perfect game in last Thursday’s 7-2 win over the
Rays when Casey Kotchman’s(notes) infield hit went off the pitcher’s left index finger
in the sixth. Wilson departed after the inning.

“It’s not 100 percent,” Wilson said. “I think that’s why earlier in the
game I had a little bit of trouble with the control. But it’s getting there.”

Kotchman got Tampa Bay’s first hit Tuesday when he flared an opposite-field
single to left with one out in the second. Wilson induced an inning-ending
double play from Kotchman with two on in the fourth.

Wilson is 3-0 in four career starts against Tampa Bay. He also threw 6 1-3
innings in Texas’ 6-0 win over the Rays in Game 2 of the 2010 AL division
series.

“He did everything the same,” Tampa Bay manager Joe Maddon said. “He was
very good. He does not miss against us. He’s just on the top of his game
whenever he sees us in the batter’s box.”

Tampa Bay catcher Jose Labaton left with a sore left knee and is not
expected to play Wednesday.

NOTES: Texas OF Nelson Cruz(notes) (strained left hamstring) is taking batting
practice and will ramp up his running program this weekend. … Tampa Bay DH
Johnny Damon(notes) (sore right leg) was out of the lineup for the second straight
game. … Rays 3B Evan Longoria(notes) was the designated hitter for the third time
this season. … Rangers RHP Alexi Ogando(notes) (12-7), skipped one time in the
rotation, is scheduled to start Saturday against Oakland. … Texas RHP Tim Wood(notes)
cleared waivers and was assigned to Triple-A Round Rock. … Tampa Bay LHP David
Price(notes) (12-12) and Texas LHP Derek Holland(notes) (13-5) are the scheduled starters
Wednesday. … Texas announced that former Rangers minor league player and coach
Dave Moharter died Tuesday. He was 62.

TORONTO (AP)—David Price(notes) blew away the Blue Jays.

Price struck out a franchise-record 14 in seven dominant innings, Desmond
Jennings(notes) hit a pair of solo home runs and the Tampa Bay Rays beat Toronto 12-0
on Sunday.

“Hitting is hard enough already,” Rays catcher John Jaso(notes) said. “What
David brought today made it pretty much impossible.”

It wasn’t just Price’s stuff, but a stiff wind blowing out to center field
that made him so effective, giving his fastball extraordinary movement.

“I’ve never had that much movement before so it was pretty cool,” Price
said. “The wind kept blowing and it was making my eyes watery all game. I knew
it was blowing pretty good and I just kept throwing it.”

Jaso and Price felt strong gusts pushing them as they walked in from the
bullpen beforehand, but didn’t know how helpful the wind would be until the game
began, and Price’s two-seamer started drifting.

“It looks like a strike right out of his hand and then it’s just fading off
the plate,” Jaso explained. “It was moving about three feet. Once they start
to swing on his fastball, they can’t hold it back.”

Price (12-11) broke the team mark for strikeouts shared by Scott Kazmir(notes) and
James Shields(notes).

“He had everything working today, the changeup, the slider, the backdoor
cutter,” manager Joe Maddon said. “Everything was working off the fastball.
That’s why their hitters could not get comfortable at all.”

Price allowed only three singles and walked two. His first seven outs all
came by a strikeout, with two hits mixed in during that span.

“He’s got great movement,” Blue Jays bench coach Don Wakamatsu said. “You
can get down in the count right away.”

After leaving the game, Price wrote a birthday greeting for his mother on
his hand and flashed it for TV cameras. He’d sent her flowers and a card on
Friday, but figured she’d like the win even more.

Rays pitchers set a team mark by fanning 18 batters overall. Reliever
Brandon Gomes(notes) struck out two in 1 1-3 innings and Cesar Ramos(notes) struck out two to
end it.

“It’s fun to catch when you’ve got something like that going,” Jaso said.

Jennings homered on the first pitch of the game and got a career-high four
hits. He drove in three runs, scored three, drew a walk and stole a base from
the leadoff spot.

Sean Rodriguez(notes) added a two-run homer and Matt Joyce(notes) doubled twice during a
six-run ninth as the Rays improved to an AL-best 20-9 since July 28.

The Blue Jays lost their fourth straight. They finished with five hits.

Price quickly matched his career high, striking out 12 through five innings.
The left-hander didn’t fan anyone in the sixth, but finished his outing with two
more strikeouts in the seventh, matching and then passing Kazmir (2007) and
Shields (2011) for the Rays’ record.

Price improved to 9-1 with a 1.99 ERA in 11 career starts against Toronto.

Price didn’t give his defense much to do in the first three innings. He did
allow a pair of baserunners over that span: Mike McCoy(notes) led off the first with a
walk and Jose Molina(notes) hit a two-out single in the second. Neither runner
advanced.

McCoy was the first batter to make an out on a batted ball when he grounded
to second in the third. McCoy, who walked again in the sixth, was the only Blue
Jays batter not to strike out against Price.

Toronto’s 18 strikeouts were a season-high, two more they had in a 3-1 road
loss to the Los Angeles Angels on April 10. The franchise record is 19, set
twice previously, both times in extra-inning games.

Jennings put Tampa Bay ahead right away, connecting against Brandon Morrow(notes)
(9-9) for the first leadoff home run of his career.

“It’s an early run and gets the team up and the pitcher, especially David,
he doesn’t need many runs,” Jennings said.

After John Jaso’s RBI double in the second scored B.J. Upton(notes), Rodriguez hit
a two-run shot into the second deck in left. Jennings made it back-to-back
homers when he followed with another drive to left, his first multihomer game.

Morrow (9-9) allowed five runs and six hits in 5 1-3 innings. The
right-hander has given up five homers in his past 10 innings. He lost for the
fourth time in five starts.

NOTES: Toronto LHP Wil Ledezma(notes) was designated for assignment after allowing
six runs in the ninth. … Blue Jays manager John Farrell (pneumonia) missed his
third straight game, with Wakamatsu continuing to run the team. … Rays RHP
Kyle Farnsworth(notes) (elbow) was available after missing the previous four games. …
Toronto 1B Adam Lind(notes), mired in a 3-for-21 slump, was held out of the starting
lineup. … Blue Jays RHP Jon Rauch(notes) (appendectomy) threw a bullpen session
before the game, his second in three days. … Toronto OF Rajai Davis(notes) (torn left
hamstring) has begun jogging and taking batting practice at the team’s minor
league complex in Florida and could return before the end of the season. …
Tampa Bay RHP Wade Davis(notes) (8-7) faces Blue Jays LHP Ricky Romero(notes) (12-9) in
Monday’s series finale.