Rays bats lack spark, lose 2-1

Shields is solid but it's not enough.

Here is the short version, since I am late for work.  The Rays lost 2-1 to the Yankees tonight and squandered a good performance by James Shields. Shields went 7.1 innings and only gave up 2 runs, that should have been good enough for a win, but the Rays bats fell silent once again. The difference in the game was that the Yankees hit with runners in scoring position and the Rays did not. The offense has been touch and go, even through their good streak, and needs to come up more consistent. Mike Mussina did well for the Yankees, but he was very hittable and the Rays just didn't get it done. You cant win them all, and a 2-1 loss is a good loss, if there is such a thing. Too bad Shields didn't get a win for his great effort.

The Rays signed ace Scott Kazmir to a 3 year extension with a club option for a fourth. The lucrative extension keeps Kaz in the Bay area through 2011 for $28.5 million, he would have been eligible for free agency in 2011. The option for 2012 would raise the total contract to $39.5 million. Kazmir will also donate to the Rays foundation, and has the use of a luxury suite for 5 home games each year. The reigning AL strike out champ takes the hill today for the Rays against Ian Kennedy for the Yankees.