Cheese & Whine: July 22

CHEESE & WHINE: Ace Up Their Sleeves

RAYS: 4
A's: 0

CHEESE:

• Scott Kazmir (8-5) finally looked the part. The Rays' Ace looked like an Ace, lasting 7 innings allowing only 2 hits while shutting out the A's (despite having to work-around 3 lead-off walks). Kid K struck out 9 and walked 4; retiring 18 of 21 batters during one stretch. To me, the most important stat on the board is the 7 innings pitched. We've waited a long while for Kaz to control his pitch count and he finally accomplished it.
• Grant Freakin' (and I mean that in a good way) Balfour was electric again. This guy is shaping-up like a closer. Look for the Aussie to be the Rays closer starting in 2010.
• Dirtbag looked good at the plate again, hitting a homerun for the third consecutive game. Evan finished 2 for 5 with 2 RBI.
• Upton finally looked more comfortable at the plate going 2 for 3 and taking 2 bases on balls. Bossman also stole his 29th and 30th bases of the season.

WHINE:

• Both the Sox and the Yankees also won. The Sox beat Seattle 4-0, and the Yankees defeated the Twins 12-4.
• The Rays left a staggering 13 runners on base.

CRACKERS:

• The Rays recorded their ninth shut-out of the season which is a franchise record. I'd say they're good for 3 or 4 more this season, maybe even more if Garza can stay consistant and Kaz can keep his pitch count under control.

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