What a game by Shields eh? 7+ innings pitched. One earned run. The leadoff batter Ichiro no less, goes yard for the only score of the game. “Big Game” had a sweet game. The only problem? Shields decided his turn of the rotation was pitted against King Felix. Felix Hernandez is the nasty throwing ace for the Mariners. King Felix as he is so humbly called, decided that he would go 7 innings, scattering 4 hits with 7 put outs.
It’s nice to see Shields with the great outing; but a tough break that he not only doesn’t get the win but gets the loss because the Rays bats decided to go quiet. I know King Felix is a good and sometimes great pitcher. Is it that hard to put together some sort of run on the board? They had a chance in the 2nd but didn’t come through. It’s called “grinding” out a run! Just because the opposing pitcher is tough, doesn’t mean you can’t get a walk here, a stolen base there and a sac fly here and bingo!… you have your run on the board.
Also, I am going to go off on a small tangent here but why is Shields called “Big Game James”? I love the guy. He is great with the fans and has put up some really good numbers the last 2+ seasons. Shields seems to be a great team guy as well. However, when players decided to call him Big Game, BEFORE the playoffs really started last year I grew confused. So what “Big Game” did Shields pitch??!!? I know it sounds cute and it rolls of the tongue smoothly… but I think they should call Big Game James when he pitches his team to a pennant or a World Series win; don’t you think?
Anyways the Rays head to Oakland where they really need to get a series win against a very winnable Oakland team. The Rays have always had trouble at the Coliseum in Oakland. However the Rays have Kazmir, Garza and Sonnanstine pitching the 3 game set. A sweep is attainable but 2 out of 3 would be just fine.