ST. PETERSBURG — Rays right-hander James Shields was arguably the best pitcher in interleague play last season, winning three of four starts and throwing three complete games against National League opponents.

But Shields shouldered the blame for Friday night’s 5-3 loss to Atlanta, with his two-out walk in the fifth inning and his throwing error sparking a two-run rally that gave the Braves the lead for good.

The loss, in front of 19,689 at Tropicana Field, was the Rays’ second in a row and fourth in their past five at home.

“Two-out walks are unacceptable,” Shields said. “It’s a terrible job by me. That changed the whole game. That was the game right there.”

The Rays had tied it in the third after falling behind 2-0. Shields settled into a rhythm, retiring nine of 10 batters in a stretch before the walk to Martin Prado. Shields then committed a throwing error trying to pick him off first base. Freddie Freeman then ripped a double to knock in Prado, and two batters later, catcher Brian McCann added an RBI single.

“I’ve got to do a better job as a pitcher to bear down and get that out,” Shields said. “I’m definitely going to put that loss on me tonight.”

The Braves struck first in the opening inning. Prado hit a double and Freeman followed with a single to score him. In the second, Braves third baseman Chipper Jones, bringing his farewell tour to the Trop, started a rally.

Jones, who received a standing ovation before his first at-bat, ripped a single to center, then came around to score on a two-out wild pitch by Shields.

Whether Jones plays again in this three-game series remains to be seen. He left the game in the seventh inning with a left calf bruise, having been hit in the left leg by a grounder in the third.

But the Rays bounced back, with Luke Scott and Jeff Keppinger hitting back-to-back singles in the bottom half of the first, putting runners on first and third. Elliot Johnson then laid down a perfect safety squeeze bunt down the first-base line to score one run.

In the third inning, Tampa Bay (24-16) tied it up, thanks to a bases-loaded sacrifice fly by Scott, who picked up three hits one night after stranding seven runners in Thursday’s loss to the Red Sox

Shields, who entered Friday’s game with a major-league-leading six wins, saw his pitch count rise quickly in the Braves’ two-run fifth, and he was pulled after six innings and 115 pitches.

“That was the moment right there,” Maddon said. “If we had gotten through that moment, it could have been a different night.”

Atlanta added an insurance run in the seventh, when Prado blasted a solo home run off reliever J.P. Howell.

Lefty Cesar Ramos got out of a bases-loaded jam in the eighth, keeping the Rays within striking distance.

Scott had another RBI single in the eighth, but that was as close as Tampa Bay would get.

For Shields, it was his second loss in his last three starts.

Joe Smith can be reached at joesmith@tampabay.com.

Cody Ross helped the Boston Red Sox rebound from a frustrating loss.

Ross homered and drove in four runs, Felix Doubront won his third consecutive start and the Red Sox beat the Tampa Bay Rays, 5-3, on Thursday night.

“I was going after this game tonight,” Boston manager Bobby Valentine said. “The guys really wanted this game, and I was just going to do everything we could to win it. Just frustration (from Wednesday’s loss), and we wanted to get back into the winning ways.”

The Red Sox were beaten, 2-1, on Wednesday. The Rays’ go-ahead run scored when Ross, in right field, had problems with the Tropicana Field roof and had to backpedal to catch Luke Scott’s shallow sacrifice fly.

Ross extended Boston’s lead to 5-2 Thursday on a two-run single off reliever Wade Davis with two outs in the eighth.

“Cody was big,” Valentine said. “Cody will give you everything he has, and it’s enough for me.”

Doubront (4-1) allowed two runs and six hits over 52/3 innings. The left-hander was hit on the ear by a ball during batting practice Tuesday and cleared one day later to make his scheduled start.

Matt Moore (1-4) gave up three runs and five hits in six innings for Tampa Bay, which had its four-game winning streak snapped.

“I thought he finished really strong,” Tampa Bay manager Joe Maddon said. “That’s definitely a game to build off. He definitely pitched well enough to win. Confidence is a big thing. I know he’s going to sleep better. Despite the loss, he’s going to feel better about himself. That’s just a right step in the right direction.”

Moore retired his last 10 batters. He struck out eight and walked one.

Alfredo Aceves, the fifth Boston reliever, got four outs for his eighth save. He allowed B.J Upton’s RBI single with two outs in the eighth.

After falling behind in the count 0-2, Ross worked a bases-loaded walk off Moore to put the Red Sox up 1-0 in the first. Moore avoided further damage by striking out Daniel Nava to end the inning.

Boston went ahead 2-0 on Marlon Byrd’s second-inning homer. Ross made it 3-0 with his seventh homer, on an 0-2 pitch with two outs in the third.

Jeff Keppinger got the Rays within 3-1 on an RBI single in the third. Upton reached base with two outs when Kelly Shoppach was charged with catcher’s interference and went to second when Luke Scott was hit by a pitch.

Rich Thompson, who has played in 1,388 minor league games, cut the Tampa Bay deficit to 3-2 with his first big league hit, a run-scoring single in the fourth. Thompson, acquired in a trade with Philadelphia on Wednesday, also stole second and third after his hit.

The Rays loaded the bases later in the fourth with two outs, but Scott hit a hard liner that was caught by first baseman Adrian Gonzalez.

“We always have pretty good series against the Rays,” Boston shortstop Mike Aviles said. “The fact they won (Wednesday) in a close game, and another close game today, it’s definitely good to get that win. Bobby did the right thing mixing and matching later in the game.”

Aviles was ejected in the seventh by plate umpire Dan Bellino for arguing after striking out. It was his first career ejection.

“Guys had complaints tonight and I was with them,” Valentine said. “We’ve got to fight through it, that’s for sure. We’re trying our hardest, and I think they’re trying their hardest, too.”

Tampa Bay second baseman Will Rhymes was not in the lineup a night after being hit by a pitch in the right arm, fainting after walking to first base and having to be driven off the field on a cart. Maddon said Rhymes, who is day to day with a bruised right forearm, was feeling better and wanted to take batting practice but the team trainer wouldn’t allow it.

Around the bases

Tampa Bay senior adviser Don Zimmer returned to Tropicana Field for a game for the first time since the opening weekend of the season against the New York Yankees. The 81-year-old ex-Red Sox and Cubs manager has been undergoing dialysis for kidney problems. … Valentine said DH David Ortiz will play first base and Gonzalez will move to right field for at least one game of this weekend’s interleague series at Philadelphia. … Tampa Bay 3B Evan Longoria (partial tear left hamstring) took grounders and continues taking batting practice.

ST. PETERSBURG — A night after their five-game winning streak was stopped, the Boston Red Sox regained their mid-May momentum, beating the Tampa Bay Rays 5-3 at Tropicana Field on Thursday. Cody Ross had a bases-loaded walk, solo home run and two-run single, and Marlon Byrd hit his first home run for Boston, helping the Red Sox gain a split in the two-game series. Felix Doubront (4-1) won his third consecutive start, allowing two runs on six hits over 5 2/3 innings. The Rays lost for the first time in five games and only the fourth this year at home. They made it interesting in the eighth, pulling to 5-3 on B.J. Upton’s RBI single and getting two runners in scoring position before Alfredo Aceves got Luke Scott to ground out to end the threat. Matt Moore (1-4), the Rays’ touted 22-year-old rookie, struggled in the early innings before settling in. He retired the side in his final three frames before leaving after six innings with his team trailing 3-2. Balls-and-strikes calls were an issue for the Red Sox for a second consecutive night. Adrian Gonzalez complained after Boston’s 2-1 loss Wednesday that it was hard to have “a professional at-bat” with the umpiring, and Thursday, shortstop and leadoff man Mike Aviles received his first career ejection in the seventh inning for arguing a two-out, third strike call by Dan Bellino. Righty reliever Burke Badenhop struck out the side in that frame, also getting Byrd and Kelly Shoppach. The Rays scored single runs in the third and fourth against Doubront after Boston took a 3-0 lead and threatened again in the sixth, when Ben Zobrist singled with two out and Upton doubled to put runners at first and third. Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine took the ball from Doubront, and lefty Rich Hill came on and got Scott to fly out to left. Ross’s two-run single off Wade Davis in the eighth broke the game open. The Red Sox loaded the bases and scored one run in the first against Moore, the touted rookie who has struggled with his location and high pitch counts. Aviles and David Ortiz singled, and Gonzalez, who had predicted to the Boston media he would hit a home run Thursday night, took a first-pitch fastball to the hip area. After Moore struck out Will Middlebrooks for the second out, Ross took a close 2-2 pitch off the outside corner for a ball, fouled off a couple of pitches, and drew an RBI walk. By the time Moore struck out Daniel Nave for the third out, he’d thrown 33 pitches. Byrd’s led off with a home run in the second and Ross’ two-out solo home run in the third put Boston ahead 3-0. Byrd, acquired from the Chicago Cubs last month, homered for the first time for his new team. Ross, who had homers in back-to-back games against Tampa Bay in April, hit his seventh of the year. The Rays punched back with one run each in the third and the fourth innings. Jeff Keppinger’s line-drive single to left scored B.J. Upton after a two-out rally began with a catcher’s interference call against Shoppach. Then, in the fourth, Rich Thompson’s two-out single up the middle scored Sean Rodriguez to pull the Rays to 3-2. Thompson was making his first major league start, at age 33 and a day after the Rays acquired him from the Phillies. His only previous major league at-bat had come in 2004 for Kansas City, when he hit into a double play against catcher Tim Laker, who was pitching in a mop-up role. Thompson wasn’t done, either. He followed his RBI single by stealing second and third base before the Rays left the bases loaded when Scott hit a hard line drive to first baseman Gonzalez. NOTES: Rays infielder Will Rhymes (bruised right forearm) was not in the starting lineup after getting hit by a pitch and passing out at first base Wednesday night, but he said he could take the field as soon as Friday. He said watching a replay of the incident was “kind of tough” and that he hadn’t realized “I was out like that.” … Red Sox third baseman Kevin Youkilis (lower back strain), who began a minor league rehab assignment with Triple-A Pawtucket on Wednesday, will play his second game Friday (and first in the field). Right-handed pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka (right elbow surgery) made his fifth minor league rehab start for Pawtucket. … The Rays are intrigued by newly acquired Thompson’s 442 minor league stolen bases, including an International League-leading 48 last year. “He’s been able to maintain his speed over time, and that’s a big part of why he’s still attractive,” Tampa Bay manager Joe Maddon said. … Ortiz will likely play at least one game at first base in the weekend interleague series at Philadelphia, manager Bobby Valentine said. Gonzalez would move to right field. … Rays third baseman Evan Longoria (partial hamstring tear) worked on his hand-eye coordination before the game by taking grounders from his knees. … The Rays still haven’t announced who’ll pitch for injured Jeff Niemann on Saturday against Atlanta, but it will likely be Alex Cobb or Chris Archer from Triple-A Durham.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — It’s too bad for the Texas Rangers that they can’t play every playoff game against the Tampa Bay Rays in St. Petersburg.

At Tropicana Field, it seems, the Rangers are unbeatable.

The Rangers — who won all three away games against the Rays in their American League division series victory last year — defeated the Rays, 4-3, on Monday night in Game 3 of the AL division series in front of a sellout crowd of 32,828.

The win gives the Rangers a 2-1 series lead, with the Rays facing elimination in Game 4 on Tuesday.

Texas’ Mike Napoli hit a two-run homer in the seventh inning to give the Rangers a 2-1 advantage. Later in the inning, Josh Hamilton lined a single to right, scoring two more runs and providing the Rangers a comfortable lead — a cushion they would need as the Rays scored a run in both the seventh and eighth innings.

“That was one intense ballgame,” Rangers Manager Ron Washington said. “And we needed everything that we got from everyone today.”

Texas starter Colby Lewis was almost flawless, striking out six batters in six innings and giving up only one hit — a solo homer by Desmond Jennings in the fourth.

Jennings homered again in the seventh inning against Mike Adams, cutting the Rangers’ lead to 4-3 heading into the ninth inning.

But Rangers’ reliever Neftali Feliz held the Rays in the final inning and earned his second save of the series after Kelly Shoppach grounded into a double play to end the game.

Tampa Bay starter David Price, who battled a fingernail issue on the middle finger of his pitching hand, gave up three runs and seven hits in 6 2/3 innings.

Price pitched well but still earned the loss against the Rangers, the only team Price has never defeated. Price is now 0-6 in nine career starts against the Rangers. In last year’s ALDS, Price lost home starts to the Rangers in Game 1 and Game 5.

The Rangers used five relievers to hold off the scrappy Rays, who stranded four runners in scoring position in the final three innings.

“Disgust,” Tampa Bay reliever J.P. Howell, who gave up Hamilton’s two-run single, said in describing his reaction to the loss. “Just disgust, man. Really bad. This is negative. It’s all negative. But we have to move on.”

sports@latimes.com

Hellickson (12-10) has two complete games this season, both against the Orioles. The rookie right-hander also tossed a four-hitter in a 3-0 win against Baltimore on May 13 during which Guthrie also went the distance.

Guthrie (6-17) gave up seven runs — three earned — and seven hits Sunday. The right-hander struck out five and walked four.

“I didn’t have a good feel for the strike zone,” Guthrie said. “I wasn’t aggressive in the strike zone.”

Tampa Bay scored four times with two out in the third to take a 6-0 lead. Evan Longoria came home when third baseman Mark Reynolds misplayed Brandon Guyer’s grounder, and Reid Brignac followed with a three-run double.

Guthrie walked three during the third and after the inning ended appeared ready to throw a Gatorade bucket all around dugout.

“Just a lot of frustration,” Guthrie said. “I grabbed it and wanted to do a lot more things with it, but kind of dragged it and set it down. Figured I didn’t deserve a drink of Gatorade that inning.”

Guthrie became the first pitcher since Kip Wells (2005 and 2007) to lose at least 17 games twice during his career. The right-hander went 10-17 in 2009.

Adam Jones homered for the Orioles, who have lost six of eight.

Hellickson improved to 4-1 in five starts — six appearances overall — against Baltimore, including wins in all three outings at home where he has surrendered two earned runs in 25 combined innings.

“You know exactly what he’s going to do and try to do,” Orioles manager Buck Showalter said. “He’s got a great presentation on his change up and breaking ball. Throws everything out of the same slot. He’s grasped pitching instead of throwing at a young age. He’s got a lot of ability.”

Sean Rodriguez hit a two-run homer in the second for Tampa Bay. Rodriguez’s two-out drive to left on a 1-2 pitch was his seventh homer of the season.

The Rays scored all of their runs in Saturday’s 6-3 win over Baltimore in two-out situations.

Matt Joyce drove in two runs for Tampa Bay, including a two-out solo homer in the sixth.

Jones led off the fifth with his 23rd homer. He had just three hits in his previous 37 at-bats.

Jones also doubled in the seventh, and Robert Andino and J.J. Hardy had the other hits for Baltimore. Andino’s third-inning infield hit was originally ruled an error on shortstop Brignac.

Tampa Bay designated hitter Johnny Damon tied Doc Cramer for 62nd place on the career hits list at 2,705 with a fourth-inning single.

NOTES: Jones tied his career high with 25 doubles this season. … Reynolds made two errors and has 26 on the year. … Tampa Bay CF B.J. Upton rested one day after getting five RBIs. “That was planned before (Saturday’s game),” manager Joe Maddon said. … Orioles RF Nick Markakis made his second career start at first base and had a couple nice fielding plays. … Rays INF Ben Zobrist (neck stiffness) could return to the starting lineup Monday. … Baltimore RHP Jason Berken (strained right forearm) may pitch in a simulated game Thursday. … Baltimore LHP Brian Matusz (1-7) and New York RHP Freddy Garcia (11-7) are Monday’s scheduled starters at Yankee Stadium.

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

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP)—Jeremy Hellickson(notes) needed just 97 pitches to
finish off his latest strong outing.

Hellickson threw a four-hitter, Reid Brignac(notes) had three RBIs and the Tampa
Bay Rays beat the Baltimore Orioles 8-1 on Sunday.

“He had a sneaky fastball that set everything else up,” Rays manager Joe
Maddon said. “When he wanted to throw the ball somewhere, it was going there.”

Hellickson (12-10) has two complete games this season, both against the
Orioles. The rookie right-hander also tossed a four-hitter in a 3-0 win against
Baltimore on May 13.

“I felt good in command of all my pitches,” Hellickson said. “Even the
curveball felt good. I was throwing that for a strike once in a while, and I was
keeping the ball down.”

Tampa Bay scored four times with two out in the third to take a 6-0 lead.
Evan Longoria(notes) came home when third baseman Mark Reynolds(notes) misplayed Brandon
Guyer’s(notes) grounder, and Brignac followed with a three-run double.

“I haven’t had too many opportunities of late to drive in some runs,”
Brignac said. “The way Jeremy was throwing, all we needed was a few runs to get
through the game.”

Brignac had driven in two runs in previous 41 home games this year.

Adam Jones(notes) homered for the Orioles. Jeremy Guthrie(notes) gave up seven runs—
three earned—and seven hits over five innings en route to his major
league-leading 17th loss.

Guthrie (6-17) walked three batters to help set up the Rays’ big third.
After the inning ended, he appeared ready to throw a Gatorade bucket all around
the dugout.

“Just a lot of frustration,” he said. “I grabbed it and wanted to do a
lot more things with it, but kind of dragged it and set it down. I figured I
didn’t deserve a drink of Gatorade that inning.”

Guthrie is the first pitcher since Kip Wells(notes) (2005 and 2007) to lose at
least 17 games twice during his career. The right-hander went 10-17 in 2009.

Hellickson improved to 4-1 in five starts—six appearances overall—
against Baltimore, including wins in all three outings at home where he has
surrendered two earned runs in 25 combined innings.

“It’s kind of frustrating … You know exactly what he’s going to do and
try to do,” Orioles manager Buck Showalter said. “He’s got a great
presentation on the changeup and breaking ball. Throws everything out of the
same slot. He’s grasped pitching instead of throwing at a young age.”

Sean Rodriguez(notes) hit a two-run homer in the second for Tampa Bay. Rodriguez’s
two-out drive to left on a 1-2 pitch was his seventh homer of the season.

The Rays scored all of their runs in Saturday’s 6-3 win over Baltimore in
two-out situations.

Matt Joyce(notes) drove in two runs for Tampa Bay, including a two-out solo homer
in the sixth.

Jones led off the fifth with his 23rd homer. He had just three hits in his
previous 37 at-bats.

Jones also doubled in the seventh, and Robert Andino(notes) and J.J. Hardy(notes) had the
other hits for Baltimore. Andino’s third-inning infield hit was originally ruled
an error on shortstop Brignac.

Tampa Bay designated hitter Johnny Damon(notes) tied Doc Cramer for 62nd place on
the career hits list at 2,705 with a fourth-inning single.

NOTES: Tampa Bay CF B.J. Upton(notes) rested one day after getting five RBIs.
“That was planned before (Saturday’s game),” Maddon said. … Orioles RF Nick
Markakis(notes) made his second career start at first base and had a couple nice
fielding plays. … Rays INF Ben Zobrist(notes) (neck stiffness) could return to the
starting lineup Monday. … Baltimore RHP Jason Berken(notes) (strained right forearm)
may pitch in a simulated game Thursday. … Rays RHP James Shields(notes) (13-10), who
tops the majors with 10 complete games this season, will pitch against Texas RHP
Scott Feldman(notes) (1-0) on Monday. … Baltimore LHP Brian Matusz(notes) (1-7) and New York
RHP Freddy Garcia(notes) (11-7) are Monday’s scheduled starters at Yankee Stadium.

TORONTO (AP)—Few people were certain whether B.J. Upton’s(notes) sixth-inning
drive landed fair or foul. Not even Upton himself knew for sure.

The next time up, he left little doubt.

After barely missing a home run earlier, Upton hit a three-run shot in the
seventh that broke open the game and sent the Tampa Bay Rays past the Toronto
Blue Jays 6-5 on Saturday.

“He’s got as much power as anybody, especially for being so skinny,” Rays
catcher Kelly Shoppach(notes) kidded. “When he gets into a ball, it can be very
impressive.”

Upton’s 18th homer put the Rays ahead 6-2, and Tampa Bay held on despite a
pair of late home runs by Toronto.

In Upton’s previous at-bat, he led off with a long fly to left field that
landed just a few feet foul. Upton and Rays manager Joe Maddon questioned the
call with home plate umpire and crew chief Tim Tschida.

“(Tschida) said, ‘I’ll talk to the boys,’ and I guess none of them were
absolutely certain, so they did the right thing,” Maddon said.

Upton wasn’t positive where his drive ended up, either.

“It looked fair from where I was, although it hooked very hard late,” he
said. “I don’t think it hurt to check it out.”

After huddling near the mound, three umpires left the field to review the
video. They returned two minutes later and confirmed the original call, leaving
the score at 2-all.

Upton reached the painful way when Shawn Camp’s(notes) next pitch hit him on the
leg. Sean Rodriguez(notes) singled and Kelly Shoppach tried to bunt the runners along.

But Camp (1-3) fielded the ball and threw to Brett Lawrie(notes) for a forceout,
and the third baseman’s throw across the diamond completed a double play. The
Blue Jays almost turned a triple play, too, but Rodriguez slid into third just
ahead of the return throw. Elliot Johnson(notes) followed with a go-ahead single.

Upton connected the next inning against Jesse Litsch(notes). The shot into the
second deck in left field scored Sam Fuld(notes) and Evan Longoria(notes) after they both
walked.

“In that situation I’m not trying to do too much, just take what he gives
me,” Upton said. “He left something out over the plate for me and I got
extended on it.”

Maddon was pleased with Upton’s powerful shot.

“I congratulated him on keeping that ball fair,” he said.

The Rays are an AL-best 19-9 since July 28, and haven’t given up hopes of
winning the wild card. The Rays are seven games behind the second-place Yankees
in the AL East.

“I keep saying that we’re very much in this race right now,” Upton said.
“We’ve just got to continue to try and win series. That’s all we can ask
ourselves. Hopefully (New York and Boston) hit a little rut and we can gain some
ground on them.”

Litsch, a converted starter who was working for the third time in four days,
denied feeling the effects of fatigue.

“I left the one ball up that Upton hit,” Litsch said.

Rodriguez and Johnson each had three hits for the Rays.

Jeff Niemann(notes) (9-5) won for the fifth time in six starts. He came in 0-2 with
an 8.36 ERA in his last three matchups with Toronto, failing to work more than
five innings in any of them.

Niemann reversed that trend, allowing three runs and five hits in 6 1-3
innings. He walked two and struck out six.

The right-hander improved to 8-1 with a 2.57 ERA in 12 starts since
returning from the disabled list on June 20 after missing 39 games with a
strained lower back.

“Not great but good,” Maddon said of Niemann. “He got through it. He
started out slowly but I thought he settled in pretty well. Then eventually, at
the end there, you could see he got tired.”

J.P. Howell(notes) replaced Niemann after J.P. Arencibia’s(notes) RBI grounder in the
seventh, ending Tampa Bay’s streak of 11 consecutive games in which its starter
worked at least seven innings.

Rays left-hander Jake McGee(notes) gave up a leadoff homer to Eric Thames(notes) in the
eighth, the ninth of the season for the rookie outfielder. McGee got two outs
before Juan Cruz(notes) came on and surrendered a solo homer to Edwin Encarnacion(notes), his
14th. Kelly Johnson(notes) followed with a walk but Brett Lawrie fouled out.

Joel Peralta(notes) finished for his second save in four chances.

NOTES: Rays closer Kyle Farnsworth(notes) (elbow) was unavailable but could pitch
Sunday, Maddon said. … Arencibia threw out three potential basestealers,
getting Upton at second in the second, Rodriguez at third in the fourth and
Johnson at second in the eighth. … Rays 1B Casey Kotchman(notes) was scratched with
flulike symptoms but came on as a defensive replacement in the seventh. …
Toronto OF Dewayne Wise(notes) made his debut in center after being claimed on waivers
from Florida. Blue Jays OF Colby Rasmus(notes) (right wrist) was placed on the 15-day
DL, retroactive to Aug. 24. … Blue Jays manager John Farrell (pneumonia)
missed his second straight game and remains day-to-day. Farrell came to his
office and was checked by team doctors before returning home to rest. Bench
coach Don Wakamatsu served as manager.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Detroit Tigers were facing a potentially long night with a short-handed bullpen against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Starter Brad Penny wouldn’t let that be an issue. He pitched effectively into the seventh inning, Alex Avila had an RBI single and the Tigers beat the Rays 2-1 on Tuesday night.

“You know you’re running into a buzzsaw with that [Tampa Bay] pitching staff, but we pitched pretty good, too,” Tigers manager Jim Leyland said. “Brad got in some trouble, but he pitched his way out of it.”

Phil Coke allowed two doubles, two intentional walks and struck out five over the final two innings for his first save. Leyland stuck to his plan of giving eighth-inning setup man Joaquin Benoit and closer Jose Valverde the night off.

After Johnny Damon hit two-out double and Evan Longoria was intentionally walked in the ninth, both advanced one base on Coke’s wild pitch. Ben Zobrist then hit three foul balls on 3-2 pitches before grounding out to end the game.

“That was awesome,” Coke said. “I’m just glad I got him out. That was a battle, and it was fun. I enjoyed myself.”

David Price (11-11) allowed two runs and six hits in eight innings. The Tampa Bay left-hander was coming off consecutive road wins against the New York Yankees and Boston in which the AL All-Star was touched for one run and nine hits in a combined 16 innings.

“They’ve got a good team,” Price said. “They’re in the playoff hunt right now so they’re feeling good about themselves.”

The game started after a 20-minute delay because of a weather-related problem with the lights at Tropicana Field. The Rays say thunderstorms in the area affected a power line running into the domed stadium, which caused the problem.

Detroit scored twice in the seventh, ending Price’s scoreless streak at 18 consecutive innings, and took a 2-1 lead on Avila’s RBI single and a sacrifice fly by Jhonny Peralta.

Avila, who hit a two-run homer in Monday night’s 5-2 win over the Rays, has 15 RBI in 19 games this month.

Zobrist put the Rays ahead 1-0 on a third-inning RBI double. He has 42 doubles this season.

“Overall, this is the kind of game when if you’re going to the playoffs, you win, and when you’re not, you don’t,” Tampa Bay manager Joe Maddon said. “We’ve got to start winning these games to go the playoffs. You have to win 2-1, 1-0, 3-2 games to win championships.”

Penny gave up hits in five of his first six innings, but was able to limit the damage. The right-hander left with one out in the seventh after walking pinch hitter John Jaso.

Daniel Schlereth, who replaced Penny, got one out before giving up a single to Desmond Jennings and walking Damon to load the bases. Ryan Perry worked out of the jam by getting a fly ball to center from Longoria.

“Perry got a huge out, that’s good to see,” Leyland said. “Maybe that’s a confidence builder for him.”

Tigers designated hitter Victor Martinez, a late scratch Monday because of lower back spasms, had a double in four at-bats.

Notes

Tampa Bay CF B.J. Upton, who sprained his right shoulder Monday, struck out as a pinch hitter in the seventh. … Tigers RHP Al Alburquerque (concussion) could be re-evaluated later this week. … Detroit RHP Max Scherzer (13-7) will face Rays RHP Wade Davis (8-7) in the third game of the four-game set Wednesday night. … Rays RHP Alex Cobb, who underwent surgery last Thursday to remove a blockage in the area of his first right rib, was back at the ballpark. The rookie is thinking about keeping the pinkie size rib that was removed during the procedure in his locker. “I think it’s a good thought and it’s a reminder,” Maddon said. “But I do not need to see it.”

Copyright 2011 by STATS LLC and The Associated Press. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and The Associated Press is strictly prohibited.

ST. PETERSBURG – The Tampa Bay Rays’ long-shot playoff hopes took another hit.

Brad Penny pitched effectively into the seventh inning, Alex Avila had an RBI single and the Detroit Tigers beat the Rays 2-1 on Tuesday night.

“Overall, this is the kind of game when if you’re going to the playoffs, you win, and when you’re not, you don’t,” Tampa Bay manager Joe Maddon said. “We’ve got to start winning these games to go the playoffs. You have to win 2-1, 1-0, 3-2 games to win championships.”

The Rays trail the New York Yankees — who lead the AL East by percentage points over Boston — and the wild card-leading Red Sox both by 8 1-2 games.

David Price (11-11) allowed two runs and six hits in eight innings. The Tampa Bay left-hander was coming off consecutive road wins against the New York Yankees and Boston in which the AL All-Star was touched for one run and nine hits in a combined 16 innings.

“They’ve got a good team,” Price said of the AL Central-leading Tigers. “They’re in the playoff hunt right now so they’re feeling good about themselves.”

Penny (9-9) gave up one run and eight hits over 6 1-3 innings. He had gone 1-3 with a 6.99 ERA in his previous five starts.

Phil Coke allowed two doubles, two intentional walks and struck out five over the final two innings for his first save. Tigers manager Jim Leyland stuck to his plan of giving eighth-inning setup man Joaquin Benoit and closer Jose Valverde the night off.

“We saw 170 pitches and score one run,” Maddon said. “That just doesn’t add up. Coke throws 51 pitches in two innings and you get no runs.”

After Johnny Damon hit two-out double and Evan Longoria was intentionally walked in the ninth, both advanced one base on Coke’s wild pitch. Ben Zobrist then hit three foul balls on 3-2 pitches before grounding out to end the game.

“That was awesome,” Coke said. “I’m just glad I got him out. That was a battle, and it was fun.”

The game started after a 20-minute delay because of a weather-related problem with the lights at Tropicana Field. The Rays say thunderstorms in the area affected a power line running into the domed stadium, which caused the problem.

Detroit scored twice in the seventh, ending Price’s scoreless streak at 18 consecutive innings, and took a 2-1 lead on Avila’s RBI single and a sacrifice fly by Jhonny Peralta.

Zobrist put the Rays ahead 1-0 on a third-inning RBI double. He has 42 doubles this season.

Penny gave up hits in five of his first six innings, but was able to limit the damage. The right-hander left with one out in the seventh after walking pinch hitter John Jaso.

Daniel Schlereth, who replaced Penny, got one out before giving up a single to Desmond Jennings and walking Damon to load the bases. Ryan Perry worked out of the jam by getting a fly ball to center from Longoria.

Longoria is 0 for 7 with the bases loaded this season.

The Rays went 1 for 8 with runners in scoring position and left 12 men on base.

Notes: Damon tied Mark Grace for 45th place on the all-time list with 511 doubles. … Tampa Bay CF B.J. Upton, who sprained his right shoulder Monday, struck out as a pinch hitter in the seventh. … Detroit RHP Max Scherzer (13-7) will face Rays RHP Wade Davis (8-7) in the third game of the four-game set Wednesday night. … Rays RHP Alex Cobb, who underwent surgery last Thursday to remove a blockage in the area of his first right rib, was back at the ballpark. The rookie is thinking about keeping the pinkie size rib that was removed during the procedure in his locker. “I think it’s a good thought and it’s a reminder,” Maddon said. “But I do not need to see it.”

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — The Tampa Bay Rays’ long-shot playoff hopes took another hit.

Brad Penny pitched effectively into the seventh inning, Alex Avila had an RBI single and the Detroit Tigers beat the Rays 2-1 on Tuesday night.

“Overall, this is the kind of game when if you’re going to the playoffs, you win, and when you’re not, you don’t,” Tampa Bay manager Joe Maddon said. “We’ve got to start winning these games to go the playoffs. You have to win 2-1, 1-0, 3-2 games to win championships.”

The Rays trail the New York Yankees — who lead the AL East by percentage points over Boston — and the wild card-leading Red Sox both by 8 1-2 games.

David Price (11-11) allowed two runs and six hits in eight innings. The Tampa Bay left-hander was coming off consecutive road wins against the New York Yankees and Boston in which the AL All-Star was touched for one run and nine hits in a combined 16 innings.

“They’ve got a good team,” Price said of the AL Central-leading Tigers. “They’re in the playoff hunt right now so they’re feeling good about themselves.”

Penny (9-9) gave up one run and eight hits over 6 1-3 innings. He had gone 1-3 with a 6.99 ERA in his previous five starts.

Phil Coke allowed two doubles, two intentional walks and struck out five over the final two innings for his first save. Tigers manager Jim Leyland stuck to his plan of giving eighth-inning setup man Joaquin Benoit and closer Jose Valverde the night off.

“We saw 170 pitches and score one run,” Maddon said. “That just doesn’t add up. Coke throws 51 pitches in two innings and you get no runs.”

After Johnny Damon hit two-out double and Evan Longoria was intentionally walked in the ninth, both advanced one base on Coke’s wild pitch. Ben Zobrist then hit three foul balls on 3-2 pitches before grounding out to end the game.

“That was awesome,” Coke said. “I’m just glad I got him out. That was a battle, and it was fun.”

The game started after a 20-minute delay because of a weather-related problem with the lights at Tropicana Field. The Rays say thunderstorms in the area affected a power line running into the domed stadium, which caused the problem.

Detroit scored twice in the seventh, ending Price’s scoreless streak at 18 consecutive innings, and took a 2-1 lead on Avila’s RBI single and a sacrifice fly by Jhonny Peralta.

Zobrist put the Rays ahead 1-0 on a third-inning RBI double. He has 42 doubles this season.

Penny gave up hits in five of his first six innings, but was able to limit the damage. The right-hander left with one out in the seventh after walking pinch hitter John Jaso.

Daniel Schlereth, who replaced Penny, got one out before giving up a single to Desmond Jennings and walking Damon to load the bases. Ryan Perry worked out of the jam by getting a fly ball to center from Longoria.

Longoria is 0 for 7 with the bases loaded this season.

The Rays went 1 for 8 with runners in scoring position and left 12 men on base.

Notes: Damon tied Mark Grace for 45th place on the all-time list with 511 doubles. … Tampa Bay CF B.J. Upton, who sprained his right shoulder Monday, struck out as a pinch hitter in the seventh. … Detroit RHP Max Scherzer (13-7) will face Rays RHP Wade Davis (8-7) in the third game of the four-game set Wednesday night. … Rays RHP Alex Cobb, who underwent surgery last Thursday to remove a blockage in the area of his first right rib, was back at the ballpark. The rookie is thinking about keeping the pinkie size rib that was removed during the procedure in his locker. “I think it’s a good thought and it’s a reminder,” Maddon said. “But I do not need to see it.”

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP)—The Detroit Tigers were facing a potentially
long night with a short-handed bullpen against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Starter Brad Penny(notes) wouldn’t let that be an issue. He pitched effectively
into the seventh inning, Alex Avila(notes) had an RBI single and the Tigers beat the
Rays 2-1 on Tuesday night.

“You know you’re running into a buzzsaw with that (Tampa Bay) pitching
staff, but we pitched pretty good, too,” Tigers manager Jim Leyland said.
“Brad got in some trouble, but he pitched his way out of it.”

Penny (9-9) gave up one run and eight hits over 6 1-3 innings. He had gone
1-3 with a 6.99 ERA in his previous five starts.

Phil Coke(notes) allowed two doubles, two intentional walks and struck out five
over the final two innings for his first save. Leyland stuck to his plan of
giving eighth-inning setup man Joaquin Benoit(notes) and closer Jose Valverde(notes) the night
off.

After Johnny Damon(notes) hit two-out double and Evan Longoria(notes) was intentionally
walked in the ninth, both advanced one base on Coke’s wild pitch. Ben Zobrist(notes)
then hit three foul balls on 3-2 pitches before grounding out to end the game.

“That was awesome,” Coke said. “I’m just glad I got him out. That was a
battle, and it was fun. I enjoyed myself.”

David Price(notes) (11-11) allowed two runs and six hits in eight innings. The
Tampa Bay left-hander was coming off consecutive road wins against the New York
Yankees and Boston in which the AL All-Star was touched for one run and nine
hits in a combined 16 innings.

“They’ve got a good team,” Price said. “They’re in the playoff hunt right
now so they’re feeling good about themselves.”

The game started after a 20-minute delay because of a weather-related
problem with the lights at Tropicana Field. The Rays say thunderstorms in the
area affected a power line running into the domed stadium, which caused the
problem.

Detroit scored twice in the seventh, ending Price’s scoreless streak at 18
consecutive innings, and took a 2-1 lead on Avila’s RBI single and a sacrifice
fly by Jhonny Peralta(notes).

Avila, who hit a two-run homer in Monday night’s 5-2 win over the Rays, has
15 RBIs in 19 games this month.

Zobrist put the Rays ahead 1-0 on a third-inning RBI double. He has 42
doubles this season.

“Overall, this is the kind of game when if you’re going to the playoffs,
you win, and when you’re not, you don’t,” Tampa Bay manager Joe Maddon said.
“We’ve got to start winning these games to go the playoffs. You have to win
2-1, 1-0, 3-2 games to win championships.”

Penny gave up hits in five of his first six innings, but was able to limit
the damage. The right-hander left with one out in the seventh after walking
pinch hitter John Jaso(notes).

Daniel Schlereth(notes), who replaced Penny, got one out before giving up a single
to Desmond Jennings(notes) and walking Damon to load the bases. Ryan Perry(notes) worked out
of the jam by getting a fly ball to center from Longoria.

“Perry got a huge out, that’s good to see,” Leyland said. “Maybe that’s a
confidence builder for him.”

Tigers designated hitter Victor Martinez(notes), a late scratch Monday because of
lower back spasms, had a double in four at-bats.

Notes: Tampa Bay CF B.J. Upton(notes), who sprained his right shoulder Monday,
struck out as a pinch hitter in the seventh. … Tigers RHP Al Alburquerque(notes)
(concussion) could be re-evaluated later this week. … Detroit RHP Max Scherzer(notes)
(13-7) will face Rays RHP Wade Davis(notes) (8-7) in the third game of the four-game
set Wednesday night. … Rays RHP Alex Cobb(notes), who underwent surgery last Thursday
to remove a blockage in the area of his first right rib, was back at the
ballpark. The rookie is thinking about keeping the pinkie size rib that was
removed during the procedure in his locker. “I think it’s a good thought and
it’s a reminder,” Maddon said. “But I do not need to see it.”

“You know you’re running into a buzzsaw with that (Tampa Bay) pitching staff, but we pitched pretty good, too,” Tigers manager Jim Leyland said. “Brad got in some trouble, but he pitched his way out of it.”

Penny (9-9) gave up one run and eight hits over 6 1-3 innings. He had gone 1-3 with a 6.99 ERA in his previous five starts.

Phil Coke allowed two doubles, two intentional walks and struck out five over the final two innings for his first save. Leyland stuck to his plan of giving eighth-inning setup man Joaquin Benoit and closer Jose Valverde the night off.

After Johnny Damon hit two-out double and Evan Longoria was intentionally walked in the ninth, both advanced one base on Coke’s wild pitch. Ben Zobrist then hit three foul balls on 3-2 pitches before grounding out to end the game.

“That was awesome,” Coke said. “I’m just glad I got him out. That was a battle, and it was fun. I enjoyed myself.”

David Price (11-11) allowed two runs and six hits in eight innings. The Tampa Bay left-hander was coming off consecutive road wins against the New York Yankees and Boston in which the AL All-Star was touched for one run and nine hits in a combined 16 innings.

“They’ve got a good team,” Price said. “They’re in the playoff hunt right now so they’re feeling good about themselves.”

The game started after a 20-minute delay because of a weather-related problem with the lights at Tropicana Field. The Rays say thunderstorms in the area affected a power line running into the domed stadium, which caused the problem.

Detroit scored twice in the seventh, ending Price’s scoreless streak at 18 consecutive innings, and took a 2-1 lead on Avila’s RBI single and a sacrifice fly by Jhonny Peralta.

Avila, who hit a two-run homer in Monday night’s 5-2 win over the Rays, has 15 RBIs in 19 games this month.

Zobrist put the Rays ahead 1-0 on a third-inning RBI double. He has 42 doubles this season.

“Overall, this is the kind of game when if you’re going to the playoffs, you win, and when you’re not, you don’t,” Tampa Bay manager Joe Maddon said. “We’ve got to start winning these games to go the playoffs. You have to win 2-1, 1-0, 3-2 games to win championships.”

Penny gave up hits in five of his first six innings, but was able to limit the damage. The right-hander left with one out in the seventh after walking pinch hitter John Jaso.

Daniel Schlereth, who replaced Penny, got one out before giving up a single to Desmond Jennings and walking Damon to load the bases. Ryan Perry worked out of the jam by getting a fly ball to center from Longoria.

“Perry got a huge out, that’s good to see,” Leyland said. “Maybe that’s a confidence builder for him.”

Tigers designated hitter Victor Martinez, a late scratch Monday because of lower back spasms, had a double in four at-bats.

Notes: Tampa Bay CF B.J. Upton, who sprained his right shoulder Monday, struck out as a pinch hitter in the seventh. … Tigers RHP Al Alburquerque (concussion) could be re-evaluated later this week. … Detroit RHP Max Scherzer (13-7) will face Rays RHP Wade Davis (8-7) in the third game of the four-game set Wednesday night. … Rays RHP Alex Cobb, who underwent surgery last Thursday to remove a blockage in the area of his first right rib, was back at the ballpark. The rookie is thinking about keeping the pinkie size rib that was removed during the procedure in his locker. “I think it’s a good thought and it’s a reminder,” Maddon said. “But I do not need to see it.”

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