The Tampa Bay Rays bounced back to defeat the Toronto Blue Jays 7-2 Thurday night behind a solid pitching performance from Chris Archer and a three run home run from Evan Longoria. Archer, who signed a $25.5 million dollar, six year deal Wednesday, worked through six innings, allowing two runs. He allowed four hits and struck out seven, issuing two walks. Still, Archer wasn’t satisfied with his performance.
“I fell behind way too many times, that’s not the type of pitcher I want to be.” He also added, “I think our defense played a huge role in getting me through the 6th. I have some room to grow.”
Archer’s comments ring true, as he threw just 36 of his 70 fastballs for strikes, and threw 18, 20 and 21 pitches in innings two through four. He did show excellent fastball velocity, sitting in the mid 90s and topping out at 97. Furthermore, his slider was excellent, as 24 of the 28 offerings went for strikes, and he drew whiffs on eight of 15 Blue Jay swings.
Toronto answered with two runs in the 4th, but a three run shot from Longoria against reliever Esmil Rogers put the game away. All told the Rays tallied 11 hits and five walks. Hanigan reached base three times, as he DeJesus, Zobrist, and Longoria all had two hits apiece.
Brandon Gomes got two outs in the 7th before Joel Peralta came on to get Melky Cabrera with a runner on first. Peralta pitched around a walk in the 8th to record a scoreless inning. Heath Bell finished the game with a shutout 9th inning, issuing one walk.
Jays starter Brandon Morrow went five innings, allowing seven hits and four runs, while striking out four and walking one. Maicer Izturis had two hits for the Jays, and Adam Lind recorded their only extra base hit, a double in the 4th.
Tampa Bay hosts the Texas Rangers Friday, as Jake Odorizzi will get the ball. Toronto will start Dustin McGowan in their home opener against the New York Yankees. Masahiro Tanaka will make his first major league start.
