* Rays move Zobrist to second in lineup
* Blue Jays leave 11 runners on base
(adds quotes)
April 18 (Reuters) – The Tampa Bay Rays turned their offense
loose on Toronto on Wednesday, pounding the Blue Jays 12-2 on
the back of four home runs including Luke Scott’s ninth inning
grand slam.
The Rays packed six runs into the ninth and climbed back to
6-6 for the season, but it was not all about offense as All-Star
pitcher David Price rebounded from a tough outing last week
against Boston to pitch 5 2/3 innings and earn the win.
Price had more than enough run support, Ben Zobrist hitting
a two-run blast in the first while Matt Joyce and Sean Rodriguez
homered in the sixth, where Tampa Bay went ahead 6-2.
A previously struggling Zobrist was moved to the second spot
in the lineup, a place he relished.
â??”I sure like it after I hit that ball (in the first),”
Zobrist told reporters. â??”I like the look of 12 runs, too.”
It was a tough day for Toronto (6-5) starter Brandon Morrow,
who surrendered six runs in six innings to take the loss, while
reliever Carlos Villanueva endured the horror six-run ninth.
Yunel Escobar had four of Toronto’s 12 hits on the night but
the home side left 11 runners on base to hinder their chances.
Despite picking up the win, Price was not entirely happy
with his effort on the mound, which included 106 pitches.
â??”It’s tough to get into a groove right now, but it’s
getting there,” Price said. â??”I need to get back into form and
take it from there.”
(Writing by Jahmal Corner in Los Angeles; Editing by John
O’Brien)
