(Sports Network) - David Price tries to become the first 13-game winner in the
majors this afternoon when the Tampa Bay Rays wrap up a four-game set with the
Cleveland Indians at Tropicana Field.
Price won his fourth straight decision on Saturday against Boston, as he held
the Red Sox to three runs (2 earned) and six hits in 7 1/3 frames to up his
record to 12-4, while lowering his ERA to 2.80.
"I really thought David had the ability or stuff tonight to throw a shutout,"
Maddon said. "He kind of looked that way."
Price stands a good chance at staying in the win column today, as he is a
perfect 4-0 with a 2.01 ERA in five starts versus the Indians.
Cleveland, meanwhile, will counter with righty Ubaldo Jimenez, who was
atrocious his last time out. Jimenez was rocked by the Toronto Blue Jays on
Saturday to the tune of eight runs in just 2 1/3 innings, as he slipped to 8-8
on the year to go along with a 5.09 ERA.
"I couldn't get my pitches over the plate, I was falling behind the count, and
then once I tried to get in, they took advantage of it," said Jimenez. "It was
a really bad day."
Jimenez, though, has beaten the Rays both times he has faced them, pitching to
a 2.13 ERA in the process.
On Wednesday, Carlos Santana's three-run homer capped a five-run seventh
inning and paved the way in Cleveland's, 10-6, win. Santana finished the night
with a pair of hits and knocked in four runs for the Indians, who have won two
of their last three.
Justin Masterson had another rough outing in Tampa Bay, giving up four runs on
seven hits and a career-high seven walks in 4 1/3 innings before being let off
the hook with a no decision. In six career appearances at Tropicana Field,
including five starts, Masterson is 0-4 with a 8.59 earned run average (25
earned runs in 26 2/3 innings).
Esmil Rogers (1-0) picked up the win after tossing 1 2/3 frames of scoreless
relief.
Luke Scott and Desmond Jennings combined for seven of the Tampa Bay's 10 hits,
as the Rays lost for the fourth time in six games since the All-Star break.
Kyle Farnsworth (0-2) took the loss after being charged with two runs in two-
thirds of an inning.
Cleveland has won four of its seven matchups with the Rays this season.
The Sports Network