Rays, Shields shut down White Sox
Tampa Bay manager Joe Maddon could sense early on that James Shields was heading for a big game.
Shields struck out nine in a four-hitter and the surging Rays beat the Chicago White Sox, 2-1, last night for their seventh win in eight games.
"It was really fun to watch," Maddon said. "He kept his tempo. He kept his pace. The quality of the locations was severe. On the money all night long. I could tell he was on right from jump street."
Shields (1-1) outpitched John Danks and walked one in his sixth career complete game, and first since June 10, 2008, against the Angels.
"I wanted it, that's for sure," Shields said. "Joe had some faith in me. I was cruising through the game. It's exciting. I got the CG. It's been a long time."
It was the second straight outstanding pitching performance for Tampa Bay. David Price and Joel Peralta combined on a four-hitter in a 5-0 win over the White Sox on Monday night.
Danks (0-2) gave up two runs and seven hits in seven innings for the White Sox, who have lost six in a row. The lefthander struck out five and hit two batters.
Designated hitter Johnny Damon (bruised left ring finger tip) and first baseman Dan Johnson (sore left forearm-wrist) were out of the Rays' lineup.
Orioles 11, Twins 0: Matt Wieters drove in four runs, Vladimir Guerrero hit a three-run homer and host Baltimore snapped an eight-game losing streak by defeating Carl Pavano (1-2). Jake Arrieta (2-1) pitched six innings of four-hit ball for the Orioles, who built an 8-0 lead in the fifth inning and coasted to their first win in 10 days after a 6-1 start. The 11 runs were a season high, and all of them came with two outs.
Marlins 6, Pirates 0: Josh Johnson allowed two hits in seven innings and drove in the first two runs to help host Florida. Johnson (3-0) lowered his ERA to 1.00. He has allowed four hits or less in each of his four starts, and batters are hitting .112 against him.
Diamondbacks 5, Reds 4: Ryan Roberts hit two home runs and drove in three for visiting Arizona. Armando Galarraga improved to 3-0 and J.J. Putz got his fourth save.
V-Mart on DL
The Tigers have placed catcher Victor Martinez (sore groin) on the 15-day disabled list and purchased the contract of catcher Omir Santos from Triple-A Toledo. -- AP
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