Moore and Zobrist lead Rays over Tribe 4-0

By:  Stephen Parsons

Tampa Bay doesn't have a powerful offense, but with great pitching, timely hitting, and good base running led the Rays to a dominant 4-0 victory over the Indians.

Matt Moore, who last year was regarded as MLB's #2 Prospect only behind Bryce Harper, was absolutely outstanding tonight against the Indians.  In 6 innings pitched he allowed only 2 hits, both to Michael Bourn, striking out 8 Indians.  Moore had a good rookie season yesterday, but held himself responsible as a big factor why the Rays failed to make the playoffs for the 3rd consecutive year.  He is expecting a much better season and got it off to a great start leading the Rays tonight.  

Ben Zobrist went 2 for 4 with 3 runs batted in on two doubles.  Sam Fuld scored from 1st during both doubles.  The Rays will kill you with their speed, and Zobrist was able to put the ball in play giving Fuld a chance to hurt the Indians with his speed. 

Indians pitcher Zach McCallister looked good through 3 innings, but ran into trouble in the 4th and 5th, allowing 2 runs in each inning.  McCallister threw 6 innings, allowing 6 hits, 4 runs, only 2 earned runs while striking out 3 Rays batters.  

Indians batters were baffled all night, 11 strikeouts in total.  Drew Stubbs taking the hat trick with 3 strikeouts, he has 8 through the first 4 games.  Mike Aviles got his first start of the season, going 0 for 2 with a walk and a fielding error which allowed the 2 runs in the 5th to score.

My Thoughts:

Sometimes you just run into great pitching, Matt Moore was just tough as nails tonight after getting into some early trouble in the 1st inning and showing composure of a 10 year veteran.  Stat of the night is 0 for 5 with runners in scoring position.  That needs to be improved if you want to score against great pitching.  Shake this one off and try to win the next two games to secure another series win.

Coming Up Next:

Trevor Bauer has been called up from Triple-A Columbus in place of Scott Kazmir who is on the 15-day disabled list with a rib cage strain.  He will be opposed by right hander Alex Cobb who went 14-11 last season with a 3.86 ERA in 32 starts last season.  That game will start at 7:10 ET in Tropicana Field.