Power Pros Forum

O ya and by the way, I'm Patsoxcelts12321(thats the name I used for the comment)

Ok, I'm just going to post everything on here as well as on the blog as I do have a reader on the blog who does not come on here very often. I will start from the beginning, and post a few updates every day. Hopefully, I will catch up quickly.

Getting Started
This blog is for the purpose of posting about my Tampa Bay Rays Franchise Log in MLB Power Pros 2008. I am already a few games into the 2008 season, but I will post from where I am and on. I do not play this franchise very often, but I will post after every game on what happened during that game, and I will update any transactions like free agent acquisitions and trades.

3/24 - Rays Acquire Four Free Agents
The Rays have acquired four players who were free agents:

Charlton Jimerson - (CF/RF)
B/T: R/R
Birthday: 9/22/1979 (Age 28)

Dan Johnson - (1B)
B/T: L/R
Birthday: 8/10/1979 (Age 28)

Humberto Quintero - (C)
B/T: R/R
Birthday: 8/2/1979 (Age 28)

Chuck James - (P)
B/T: L/L
Birthday: 11/9/1981 (Age 26)

All four of these players are now with the Tampa Bay Rays (AAA) team.

3/31 - Rays Open Season with Win
The Rays have opened their 2008 major league season with a victory over the Baltimore Orioles in Baltimore. Starting pitcher Scott Kazmir pitched a complete game shutout to cap off the Rays opening day game:

Final Score:
Rays: 2
Orioles: 0

WP - Scott Kazmir (1-0) | LP - Daniel Cabrera (0-1) | SV -

4/2 - Rays take Second Win in a Row
The Rays have won two games in a row, their first two games of the season. Starting pitcher for the Rays James Shields pitched seven and one-third innings giving up four runs on twelve hits to the Orioles. Shields ended up recieving a no decision in this one.

Final Score:
Rays: 7
Orioles: 5

WP - Dan Wheeler (1-0) | LP - Great Thompson (0-1) | SV - Troy Percival (1)

4/3 - Rays Suffer First Loss
The Rays haved lost their first game of the season today in the final game of a three game series against the Orioles in Baltimore. Rays starter Andy Sonnanstine pitched seven innings giving up one earned run on six hits to the Orioles and striking out eight. Sonnanstine walked away with a no decision. Al Reyes recieved the loss giving up a walk-off two run homer to Luke Scott.

Final Score:
Rays: 2
Orioles: 3

WP - Troy Patton (1-0) | LP - Al Reyes (0-1) | SV -

I read this one on the other website where you posted it and I liked it but it seems to die around early May, and it seems realistic too which I like

4/4 - Rays Win over Yankees
The Rays have won their third game of the season against the New York Yankees in New York. Matt Garza, who was the starting pitcher went five and a third innings giving up five earned runs on nine hits to the Yankees, but despite the not so good outing, took home the victory.

Final Score:
Rays: 8
Yankees: 5

WP - Matt Garza (1-0) | LP - Phil Hughes (0-1) | SV - Troy Percival (2)

4/5 - Rollercoaster of a Game Ends in Rays Loss
The Rays have lost their second game of the season to the Yankees. After scoring two runs in the first inning, the Yankees came back with three runs in the forth including a two-run shot by Alex Rodriguez. The Rays then tied it in the fifth, but the Yankees scored as well in the bottom of the sixth inning to take the lead again. Then in the top of the seventh, the Rays took the lead with a two-run shot by Evan Longoria, but Hideki Matsui tied it up in the bottom of the seventh with a solo shot. The Yankees won with a walk-off hit in the bottom of the ninth with an RBI single by Johnny Damon scoring Melky Cabrera on second base. Jason Hammel took the loss having given up that walk-off hit. Starting pitcher Edwin Jackson pitched six and one-third innings giving up five earned runs on nine hits and taking the no decision.

Final Score:
Rays: 5
Yankees: 6

WP - Joba Chamberlain (1-0) | LP - Jason Hammel (0-1) | SV -

4/6 - Early Inning Homers Bury Yankees
The Rays have won their forth game of the season today against the Yankees. Early inning runs including three homers help bury the Yankees. Evan Longoria went 3-5 with two homers and five RBI while Carlos Pena also went 3-5 with one homer and three RBI. Rays starting pitcher Scott Kazmir was great in his second outing of the season going seven and one-third innings giving up two runs on four hits and striking out three.

Final Score:
Rays: 9
Yankees: 4

WP - Scott Kazmir (2-0) | LP - Chien-Ming Wang (0-2) | SV -

4/7 - Yankees Take Game Four
The Yankees have won the final game of this four game series in New York between the Yankees and the Rays. Despite scoring first with three runs in the top of the fourth, the Yankees struck back with three runs of their own in the bottom of the fourth. Starting pitcher for the Rays, J.P. Howell did not have a good outing at all, going five and one-third innings giving up five runs on eleven hits to the Yankees. Carlos Pena went 3-4 with one homer and driving in all four of the Rays runs.

Final Score:
Rays: 4
Yankees: 5

WP - Ross Ohlendorf (1-0) | LP - J.P. Howell (0-1) | SV - Mariano Rivera (1)

4/8 - Rays Walk-Off in Home Opener
In the first game in Tampa Bay this season, the Rays gave their fans a good game with a great comeback and walk-off win scoring three times in the bottom of the ninth inning. Mariners first baseman Richie Sexson hit two two-run homers; one in the first inning, and again in the fourth inning, driving in all four Mariners runs. Evan Longoria hit a two-run homer in the bottom of the sixth, narrowing the Mariners lead to two runs. Then a wild bottom of the ninth inning drove in three runs and a Rays walk-off victory. With the game tied, and runners on first and second running, Akinori Iwamura hit a bloop single the opposite way scoring Rocco Baldelli who was on second base for the walk-off victory. Starting pitcher James Shields pitched seven innings giving up all four runs on five hits and striking out six.

Final Score:
Mariners: 4
Rays: 5

WP - Jason Hammel (1-1) | LP - Miguel Batista (0-1) | SV -

4/9 - Rays Win Game Two
The Rays have won game two of this three game series between the Seattle Mariners and Tampa Bay Rays in Tampa Bay. The Mariners scored first in the top of the second, but the Rays struck back with two runs in the bottom of the second. The Mariners came back with a run of their own in the top of the third to tie it. Evan Longoria hit a two run homer in the bottom of the fourth to give the Rays a two run lead. The Mariners scored again in the top of the seventh narrowing the Mariners lead to one run, but the Rays scored two runs in the bottom of the seventh to lock in the victory. Andy Sonnanstine pitched six innings giving up three runs on nine hits to the Mariners and striking out five for his first win of the season.

Final Score:
Mariners: 4
Rays: 6

WP - Andy Sonnanstine (1-0) | LP - Matt Morris (0-2) | SV - Troy Percival (3)

Rays Trade Miller for Cash, Acquire Free Agent Nomo
The Rays have traded minor league relief pitcher Trever Miller to the Detroit Tigers for 12,000 points cash, which is three-fourths of his contract that ends at the end of this season. The Rays have also acquired free agent pitcher Hideo Nomo to a 600 point contract. Nomo will be replacing Miller's spot on the AAA team and could get a call-up to the major league team later in the season.

4/10 - Mariners Take Series Finale
The Mariners have won the third and final game of this three game series between the Mariners and Rays. The Mariners scored first in the second inning, and the Rays tied it at one a piece in the fifth. Kenji Johjima gave the Mariners back the lead with a solo homer in the top of the seventh and that was all they needed. Matt Garza pitched seven very strong innings giving up both runs on only five hits and striking out nine Mariners.

Final Score:
Mariners: 2
Rays: 1

WP - Arthur Rhodes (1-0) | LP - Matt Garza (1-1) | SV - J.J. Putz (2)

4/11 - Rays Win on Walk-Off... Steal?
The Rays beat the Orioles today in a very odd and very rare fassion. Having no score until the sixth inning, Carlos Pena and Evan Longoria hit back to back blasts to take a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the sixth. In the top of the seventh, Melvin Mora hit a solo shot off Rays starter Edwin Jackson narrowing the lead to one run. Then in the top of the ninth, Rays closer Troy Percival gave up the game tying run on a solo shot by Aubrey Huff to tie the game. Then in the bottom of the ninth with Dioner Navarro on third base, Navarro took a dash towards home plate and the Rays won on a walk-off steal of home plate. Rays starting pitcher Edwin Jackson gave the best performance of any Rays pitcher this season pitching seven strong innings giving up just one run on five hits and striking out nine.

Final Score:
Orioles: 2
Rays: 3

WP - Troy Percival (1-0) | LP - Great Thompson (0-2) | SV -

4/12 - Rays Defeat Cabrera, Orioles
The Rays have won their second game in a row defeating the Baltimore Orioles. In a scoreless tie, the Rays struck first in the fourth inning with three runs. By the seventh inning, the Orioles had tied it up at three each. In the bottom of the seventh, the Rays scored three more times and they needed no more to defeat the Rays. Scott Kazmir pitched seven innings giving up three of the Orioles' five runs on five hits and striking out nine.

Final Score:
Orioles: 5
Rays: 6

WP - Scott Kazmir (3-0) | LP - Daniel Cabrera (0-3) | SV - Troy Percival (4)

Rays Send Down Dohmann, Glover; Call-Up Nomo, James
The Rays have sent down right handed relief pitchers Scott Dohmann and Gary Glover and have called up right hander Hideo Nomo and lefty Chuck James to the major league ball club. Both pitchers are expected to be used as occassional starting pitchers to give some of the regular starting pitchers a break.

4/13 - Rays Come Out on Top in Veteran Pitchers Duel
The Rays have swept the Baltimore Orioles with their third victory in a rown in an extra innigs walk-off. The main story of this game was the amazing pitching of starting pitchers Hideo Nomo and Steve Trachsel; both pitchers dominating the opposing lineups. In the bottom of the tenth inning, the Rays finally ended it with a walk off single by Cliff Floyd driving in Carlos Pena who was on third base. Both starters pitched complete games, with Nomo making his first appearance of the season, pitching a shutout, giving up only four hits to the Orioles and striking out twelve.

Final Score:
Orioles: 0
Rays: 1

WP - Hideo Nomo (1-0) | LP - Steve Trachsel (0-2) | SV -

4/14 - Rays Continue Streak Against Yankees with Walk-Off Homer
The Rays opened up a two game series against the Yankees in Tampa Bay today. It was a wild game, but the Rays came out on top. The Yankees got the scoring started in the fourth with Bobby Abreu driving in Johnny Damon, but the Rays came back huge with five runs in the bottom of the sixth, going completely through the batting order, but the Yankees came back again in the top of the seventh with three more runs off Rays starter Chuck James. The Rays scored once more in the bottom of the seventh taking a two run lead on the Yankees, but the Yankees charged back with back-to-back solo blasts by Alex Rodriguez and Jason Giambi off Al Reyes tying the game at six. The Rays finished the Yankees off in the ninth with a walk-off solo shot by Cliff Floyd. Chuck James, making his first appearance of the season pitched seven innings giving up four runs on eleven hits and striking out five.

Final Score:
Yankees: 6
Rays: 7

WP - Dan Wheeler (2-0) | LP - LaTroy Hawkins (0-2) | SV -

Crawford placed on DL; Rays Call Up Gross
Carl Crawford, who was injured in yesterday's game against the Yankees making a diving attempt at catching fly ball, has been placed on the 15 day DL with a broken collarbone. Doctors say it will take more than fifteen days to heal, and that this injury should take about a month to heal. The Rays have called up outfielder Gabe Gross to take Crawford's place on the team while he's out.

4/15 - Yankees End Rays Streak
The Rays have suffered their first loss after a four game winning streak. Yankees starting pitcher Mike Mussina dominated, pitching a complete game giving up one run on ten hits to the Rays. The Rays struck first with a run in the bottom of the first, but that was the only run they would get the entire game. Hideki Matsui accounted for two of the Yankees runs with two solo homers, one in the sixth, and another in the eighth, and Derek Jeter scored in the ninth on a double play ball hit by Alex Rodriguez. Rays starting pitcher Jason Hammel had a perfect game going into the sixth, but lost it on a double by Robinson Cano. Hammel ended up pitching six inning giving up one of the Yankees three runs on two hits and striking out four.

Final Score:
Yankees: 3
Rays: 1

WP - Mike Mussina (1-1) | LP - J.P. Howell (0-2) | SV -

4/16 - Rays Take Game One in Minnesota
The Rays have won game one of a two game series in Minnesota today. The Rays scored first in the top of the first, but the Twins tied it up in the bottom of the second. The Rays took charge in the top of the third, scoring five times including a two-run homer by Carlos Pena. The Twins scored two runs in the bottom of the third, and one in the sixth, but it wasn't enough. Rays starter J.P. Howell pitched six innings giving up all four of the Twins runs on twelve hits.

Final Score:
Rays: 7
Twins: 4

WP - J.P. Howell (1-2) | LP - Kevin Slowey (0-1) | SV - Troy Percival (5)

4/17 - Twins Win on Close Call
The Twins won the final game of this two game set in Minnesota on a close call at first base in the bottom of the tenth inning. With two outs in the bottom of the tenth in a scoreless tie, Jason Kubel on third, and Adan Everett at the plate, Everett hit one up the middle. Bartlett barely got to it, threw it to first, and on a very close play, Everett was called safe as Kubel crossed home plate for the victory. Rays starter James Shields pitched a complete game, giving up the only run of the game on eight hits and striking out three. Twins starter Nick Blackburn as well pitched a complete game, but he just barely edged out Shields, and getting a complete game shutout.

Final Score:
Rays: 0
Twins: 1

WP - Nick Blackburn (1-2) | LP - James Shields (0-1) | SV -

4/18 - Rays Come Back Late to Beat Sox
The Rays beat the Chicago White Sox today, opening a three game series in Tampa Bay. The Sox struck first with a two-run homer by Jim Thome in the second, and a solo shot hit by A.J. Pierzynski in the third, but the Rays narrowed it down to a one run game with a two-run homer off the bat of Evan Longoria in the bottom of the fourth. The Sox then continued to pile it on including another homer by Pierzynski and a solo shot hit by Nick Swisher until it was a 7-2 ballgame, but the Rays weren't done. They scored three runs in the sixth narrowing it down to a two-run game, and four more in the bottom of the eigth taking a two-run lead. Rays starter Andy Sonnanstine pitched seven innings, giving up all seven of the Sox runs on nine hits and striking out three, and taking a no decision.

Final Score:
White Sox: 7
Rays: 9

WP - Dan Wheeler (3-0) | LP - Matt Thornton (0-1) | SV - Troy Percival (6)

HR:
Evan Longoria - Rays (7)
Nick Swisher - White Sox (3)
Jim Thome - White Sox (5)
A.J. Pierzynski - White Sox (1)
A.J. Pierzynski - White Sox (2)

4/19 - Sox Take Game Two
The White Sox have won game two of a three game series in Tampa Bay. The Sox opened the game big in the first and never looked back. After an RBI single by Jermaine Dye scoring the first run of the game, Jim Thome came to the plate and crushed a three-run bomb taking a 4-0 lead in the first inning. The Sox scored two more runs in the top of the fifth with solo shots hit by A.J. Pierzynski and Juan Uribe. The White Sox would score no more in the game, and not need to. Being down 6-0 in the bottom of the fifth, the Rays made an attempt at a comeback starting with an RBI single hit by B.J. Upton scoring Rocco Baldelli, followed by a three run homer hit by Carlos Pena, but that was all the Rays would get. Rays starting pitcher Matt Garza pitched seven innings giving up all six of the Sox runs on ten hits and striking out five.

Final Score:
White Sox: 6
Rays: 4

WP - Javier Vazquez (1-2) | LP - Matt Garza (1-2) | SV - Bobby Jenks (3)

HR:
Carlos Pena - Rays (7)
Jim Thome - White Sox (6)
A.J. Pierzynski - White Sox (3)
Juan Uribe - White Sox (3)

4/20 - Sox Take Game 3, Series
The White Sox have won game three, and the series of this three game series in Tampa Bay. In a scoreless tie in the fourth inning, Juan Uribe hit a two-run homer giving the White Sox a two run lead, but the Rays came back and tied it in the fifth with an RBI double hit by B.J. Upton scoring Akinori Iwamura, followed by an RBI single hit by Carlos Pena scoring B.J. Upton, but that was all the Rays would score. The White Sox broke the tie in the fifth with back-to-back solo homers off the bats of Jim Thome and Paul Konerko taking a two run lead. A.J. Pierzynski capped it off with a solo homer in the ninth. Rays starter Edwin Jackson pitced seven innings giving up two of the Sox runs on four hits and striking out eight. This loss has now dropped the Rays into second place in the American League East division, half a game behind the Toronto Blue Jays.

Final Score:
White Sox: 5
Rays: 2

WP - Boone Logan (3-0) | LP - Jason Hammel (1-2) | SV - Bobby Jenks (4)

HR:
Jim Thome - White Sox (7)
Paul Konerko - White Sox (1)
A.J. Pierzynski - White Sox (4)
Juan Uribe - White Sox (4)

4/22 - 11th Inning Walk-Off Puts Rays in First
After an off day in which the Blue Jays lost, bringing them down to a tie for first with the Rays (along with the Red Sox) in the AL East division, the Blue Jays and Rays squared off at the Trop. In a scoreless tie in the fourth, the Rays struck first with RBI singles hit by Evan Longoria scoring Carlos Pena, and Cliff Floyd knocking in Longoria, but the Blue Jays would come back to tie it with a two-run homer hit by Matt Stairs in the top of the fifth. The Rays then took the lead again in the bottom of the fifth with an RBI double hit by Evan Longoria, but Matt Stairs did it again in the top of the seventh tying it up with a solo shot. Going into extra innings, the Blue Jays scored with an RBI single hit by Alex Rios scoring David Eckstein. The Blue Jays then brought in B.J. Ryan in the bottom of the inning to close it out, but the Blue Jays just couldn't hang on to it. After an RBI hit by Iwamura, scoring Rocco Baldelli and tying the game, B.J. Upton came to the plate, and blasted two-run homer to dead center field on the first pitch of the at bat for the victory. Rays starting pitcher Hideo Nomo pitched seven innigs giving up three of the Blue Jays runs (Matt Stairs' two homers) on five hits and striking out twelve. With the Red Sox 6-5 victory over the Angels, the Rays and Red Sox are still tied for first.

Final Score:
Blue Jays: 4
Rays: 6

WP - Jason Hammel (2-2) | LP - B.J. Ryan (1-1) | SV -

HR:
B.J. Upton - Rays (2)
Matt Stairs - Blue Jays (3)
Matt Stairs - Blue Jays (4)

4/23 - Extra Inning Showdown Ends in Rays Loss
The Rays have lost game two of this three game series against the Blue Jays today. The Rays got the scoring started in the bottom of the first with an RBI single hit by Evan Longoria taking a one run lead, but the Jays powered back with four runs in the top of the fourth. The Rays scored two more runs in the bottom of the fifth narrowing it down to a one run game, and then in the sixth, B.J. Upton tied it up with a solo shot. Still tied in the eleventh inning, the Blue Jays scored two more runs. The Rays tried to come back in the bottom of the inning leading off with Jonny Gomes' first homer of the season, but they just couldn't do it. Rays starter Scott Kazmir pitched eight innings giving up four runs on twelve hits and one strikeout.

Final Score:
Blue Jays: 6
Rays: 5

WP - Casey Janssen (1-1) | LP - J.P. Howell (1-3) | SV - B.J. Ryan (5)

HR:
B.J. Upton - Rays (3)
Jonny Gomes - Rays (1)

4/24 - Rays Walk-Off In Extras, Take Series
The Rays have won the final game of this series against the Blue Jays in Tampa Bay. With no score in the fifth, Matt Stairs got the scoring started with a solo homer giving the Blue Jays a one run lead. The Blue Jays then extended their lead in the eighth with an RBI double off the bat off Aaron Hill scoring Marco Scutaro. Down by two runs in the bottom of the ninth, the Rays tied it up with a two-run blast hit by B.J. Upton. Going into extras, the Blue Jays scored instantly in the top of the tenth with a solo shot by Gregg Zaun, taking a one run lead. In the bottom of the ninth, with Blue Jays starter Jesse Litsch still in the game, Cliff Floyd led off with a single, followed by another single hit by Dioner Navarro, and then Rocco Baldelli came to the plate and hit a three-run homer over the left field wall for the walk-off. Rays starter James Shields pitched eight innings giving up two of the Blue Jays runs on eight hits and striking out seven. With the Red Sox 8-3 victory over the Angels, they stay atop the AL East division along with the Rays, and going head to head tomorrow night in Tampa Bay.

Final Score:
Blue Jays: 3
Rays: 5

WP - Al Reyes (1-1) | LP - Jesse Litsch (1-3) | SV -

HR:
B.J. Upton - Rays (4)
Rocco Baldelli - Rays (2)
Matt Stairs - Blue Jays (5)
Gregg Zaun - Blue Jays (2)

4/25 - Rays Take Game One, Division Lead
The Rays have won game one of this three game series against the Boston Red Sox in Tampa Bay. The day started with both teams tied for first in the AL East division, but that would surely change by the end of today's game. In a scoreless tie in the bottom of the third, the Rays burst out of the gate first with a three-run bomb off the bat of Carlos Pena, and they never looked back. In the fifth, the Rays scored two more runs with an RBI double, again off the bat of Carlos Pena scoring B.J. Upton who had singled and stole second. Evan Longoria followed Pena with a double of his own, knocking in Pena. Down by five runs, the Red Sox attempted to rally back after Kevin Youkilis led of the sixth with a solo shot, but that would be the only run they would get. Rays starting pitcher Andy Sonnanstine dominated the Red Sox lineup giving up the one run on five hits, striking out seven, and pitching a complete game. The Rays now have sole possession of the division lead, but with the Blue Jays 6-5 victory over the Royals, the Red Sox and Blue Jays are tied for second, one game behind the Rays.

Final Score:
Red Sox: 1
Rays: 5

WP - Andy Sonnanstine (2-0) | LP - Daisuke Matsuzaka (1-3) | SV -

HR:
Carlos Pena - Rays (8)
Kevin Youkilis - Red Sox (6)

4/26 - Wakefield Dominates as Rays Fall to Sox
The Red Sox have taken game two of this series in Tampa Bay, and tied the division in a dominant pitching performance by Tim Wakefield. All four Red Sox runs came off solo homers, by two players, Manny Ramirez and Jason Varitek. Varitek started it in the third with a solo shot, then Manny hit one out in the fourth. Varitek homered again in the seventh, then Manny homered again in the seventh. The only Rays run was an RBI single off the bat of Evan Longoria scoring B.J. Upton in the bottom of the ninth. Rays starting pitcher Matt Garza almost pitched a perfect game, but was taken out with one more out needed in the top of the ninth. Garza pitched 8 2/3 innings giving up all four Red Sox homers on seven hits and striking out five. Al Reyes was brought in for the last out of the ninth; He threw one pitch, ground ball to shortstop, and the inning was over. Tim Wakefield did pitch a complete game, coming close to a shutout, but giving up that one run in the bottom of the ninth. With this Rays loss, the division lead is tied once again, and will be settled tomorrow afternoon in game three.

Final Score:
Red Sox: 4
Rays: 1

WP - Tim Wakefield (2-0) | LP - Matt Garza (1-3) | SV -

HR:
Manny Ramirez - Red Sox (8)
Manny Ramirez - Red Sox (9)
Jason Varitek - Red Sox (2)
Jason Varitek - Red Sox (3)

4/27 - Rays Take Finale, AL East Lead
The Rays have won the third and final game of this three game series against the Red Sox in Tampa Bay, and re-taking sole possession of the division lead. The Red Sox scored first in the sixth with a solo homer off the bat off Jacoby Ellsbury, barely fair, hitting the foul pole. The Rays stormed back in the bottom of the seventh starting with a solo bomb hit by Carlos Pena, followed shortly by a two run homer hit by Dioner Navarro his first of the season. The Rays extended their lead in the bottom of the eighth with a solo homer hit by B.J. Upton. Troy Percival closed it out with his seventh save of the season. Rays starting pitcher Edwin Jackson pitched eighth innings giving up the one run on five hits, and striking out eight for his first win of the season.

Final Score:
Red Sox: 1
Rays: 4

WP - Edwin Jackson (1-0) | LP - Mike Timlin (2-1) | SV - Troy Percival (7)

HR:
B.J. Upton - Rays (5)
Carlos Pena - Rays (9)
Dioner Navarro - Rays (1)
Jacoby Ellsbury - Red Sox (2)

4/29 - Rays Win Baltimore Slugfest
Opening up a three-game series, the Rays and Orioles slammed homer after homer. The Rays struck first in the first with a solo shot off Carlos Pena, and they would continue to add on in the third with five runs, sending Orioles starting pitcher Daniel Cabrera to an early shower. The Rays scored twice more in the fifth, extending to an 8-0 lead. The Orioles finally scored in the bottom of the seventh with a home run off the bat of Great Johnson. The Rays scored twice more, again in the ninth, but it was canceled out by back-to-back homers in the bottom of the ninth hit by Great Johnson again, and Jay Payton. Rays starting pitcher Hideo Nomo pitched six and two-thirds innings giving up two runs on seven hits and striking out nine.

Final Score:
Rays: 10
Orioles: 4

WP - Hideo Nomo (2-0) | LP - Daniel Cabrera (0-5) | SV -

HR:
Jay Payton - Orioles (2)
Great Johnson - Orioles (6)
Great Johnson - Orioles (7)
B.J. Upton - Rays (6)
Carlos Pena - Rays (10)
Carlos Pena - Rays (11)
Evan Longoria - Rays (8)
Evan Longoria - Rays (9)

Crawford's DL Stay Extended
Rays left fielder Carl Crawford's stay on the fifteen day disabled list has ended, although, with the magnitude of Crawford's injury, he requires a full month of healing, and has been re-placed on the fifteen day disabled list, and should be back with the team after he finishes his stay on the disabled list, hopefully with a fully healed collarbone.

4/30 - Rays End April with Victory
The Rays have taken game two of this three game series in Baltimore, finishing the month of April with a victory. The Rays started the scoring in the third with a three-run homer off the bat of Carlos Pena. The Rays then extended their lead in the fifth with a run, but Great Johnson canceled it out with a solo shot in the bottom of the inning. The Rays scored again in the seventh with a one run, but the Orioles then scored again in the bottom of the eighth with an RBI single hit by Luis Hernandez scoring Great Johnson. The Rays scored once more in the top of the ninth with a solo homer hit by Cliff Floyd to cap it off. Rays starting pitcher Scott Kazmir pitched a complete game, giving up the two Orioles runs on seven hits and striking out two.

Final Score:
Rays: 6
Orioles: 2

WP - Scott Kazmir (4-0) | LP - Matt Albers (1-2) | SV -

HR:
Great Johnson - Orioles (8)
Carlos Pena - Rays (12)
Cliff Floyd - Rays (2)

April in Review
The Rays have ended the month of April starting the season on a high note. The Rays are doing great in the standing as a team, and terrific in the stats with individual players. Here is the standings for every division:



As you can see, the Reds lead the majors with the best record, closely followed by the Athletics, both with at least twenty wins. The Rays, overall have the third best record in the majors, following the Reds and Athletics.

Now here are the leaders for individul stats:

Pitching Stats:

ERA:
Great Paulino (Reds) - 1.16
Brandon Webb (Diamondbacks) - 1.40
3. John Smoltz (Braves) - 1.59

Wins:
1. Brandon Webb (Diamondbacks) - 5
2. Joe Blanton (Athletics) - 5
3. Great Paulino (Reds) - 4
12 Others with 4

Saves:
1. David Weathers (Reds) - 9
2. Huston Street (Athletics) - 8
3. Francisco Rodriguez (Angels) - 8

Strikouts:
1. Aaron Harang (Reds) - 51
2. Johan Santana (Mets) - 47
3. Ben Sheets (Brewers) - 43


Hitting Stats:

AVG:
1. Mike Napoli (Angels) - .415
2. Jorge Posada (Yankees) - .400
3. Moises Alou (Mets) - .396

Hits:
1. B.J. Upton (Rays) - 47
2. Carlos Pena (Rays) - 44
3. Dan Uggla (Marlins) - 41

Home Runs:
1. Carlos Pena (Rays) - 12
2. Manny Ramirez (Red Sox) - 11
3. Albert Pujols (Cardinals) - 9
1 Other with 9

RBI:
1. Carlos Pena (Rays) - 33
2. David Wright (Mets) - 32
3. Edwin Encarnacion (Reds) - 32

The Rays are leading the majors in many areas, making April a very productive month. Let's hope they can continue to produce the rest of the season.

May Preview
What can we see from the Rays this month? They had a great April, but can they keep it up going further and further into the season? Will they get too tired to the point that they crash and burn, or will they continue to thrive and produce? It would appear the Red Sox will be the biggest problem for the Rays staying in first place. Can they Rays keep the Red Sox off their back and push them away? I know, all I'm doing is asking questions, but these are important questions that should hopefully be answered within this month.

5/1 - Rays @ Orioles: Game 3
The Rays have won the third and final game of this series in Baltimore with a huge comeback, and sweeping the Orioles. In the top of the first, B.J. Upton got things started with a solo homer. The Orioles would then tie it in the bottom of the second with a solo shot hit by Luke Scott. The Orioles then took the lead in the fourth with two more runs. The Rays narrowed it down with a run in the fifth with an RBI hit by Rocco Baldelli knocking in Dioner Navarro, but the Orioles would cancel it out with a solo homer hit by Aubrey Huff in the bottom of the sixth. The Rays finally made their comeback in the top of the eighth. Dioner Navarro got a lead off single, followed by a single hit by Rocco Baldelli, moving Navarro to third. Jason Bartlett then came to the plate and smacked a double between the center and right fielders that rolled to the wall, scoring both Navarro and Baldelli to tie the game. Akinori Iwamura knocked in Bartlett with a single with the go ahead run. Troy Percival closed the game out in the bottom of the ninth. Rays starting pitcher James Shields pitched eighth innings, gaving up all four Orioles runs on twelve hits and striking out eight.

Final Score:
Rays: 5
Orioles: 4

WP - James Shields (1-1) | LP - Adam Loewen (1-3) | SV - Troy Percival (8)

HR:
Aubrey Huff - Orioles (6)
Luke Scott - Orioles (4)
Great Johnson - Orioles (9)
B.J. Upton - Rays (7)

5/2 - Rays @ Red Sox: Game 1
The Rays and Red Sox went head to head today in Boston, opening up a three game series. The Red Sox scored first in the bottom of the second with a two-run blast off the bat of Jason Varitek. The Red Sox then extended their lead in the fifth with an RBI hit by Dustin Pedroia scoring J.D. Drew. Red Sox starter Tim Wakefield was pitching a perfect game until the sixth when Dioner Navarro broke it up, but the Rays wouldn't score until eighth inning with an RBI hit off the bat of Rocco Baldelli scoring Dioner Navarro. The Rays then came back and took the lead in the ninth with back-to-back blasts by B.J. Upton who hit a two run homer to tie it, and Carlos Pena with a solo homer for the lead, but the Rays couldn't keep the lead. Troy Percival came in in the bottom of the ninth to close it out, but couldn't hang onto the lead. After a single by Julio Lugo and a ground rule double hit by Jason Varitek, there were runners on second and third and Jacoby Ellsbury came to the plate, and hit a ground ball to Iwamura, who decided to get the force out at first rather than throw home, and the Red Sox tied it up. The Rays then took their lead back in the eleventh with a sacrifice hit of their own off the bat of Evan Longoria scoring Akinori Iwamura, and the Rays held on to this lead. Rays starting pitcher Andy Sonnanstine pitched seven and two-thirds innings giving up three runs on seven hits and striking out six.

Final Score:
Rays: 5
Red Sox: 4

WP - Al Reyes (2-1) | LP - Tim Wakefield (2-1) | SV - Jason Hammel (1)

HR:
Jason Varitek - Red Sox (4)
B.J. Upton - Rays (8)
Carlos Pena - Rays (13)

Man, your Cubbies aren't doing so good.

... Oh well, I'm not controlling them fortunately.

5/3 - Rays @ Red Sox: Game 2
The Rays have won game two of this three game series against the Red Sox in Boston. The Rays got the scoring started in the top of the first with a single hit by Carlos Pena, scoring B.J. Upton who came all the way around from second to score. The Rays then extended their lead in the second with a hit by Jason Bartlett scoring Cliff Floyd. The Red Sox got their scoring started in the bottom of the second with a solo homer off the bat of Manny Ramirez, narrowing the Rays lead to one run. The Red Sox then tied it in the third with a hit by Julio Lugo knocking in Mike Lowell. The Rays took the lead back in the top of the fourth with a solo homer hit by Cliff Floyd, and after B.J. Upton knocked in Akinori Iwamura in the fifth, the Rays never looked back. The Red Sox scored one more run in the bottom of the ninth with a hit by Kevin Youkilis knocking in Julio Lugo. Rays starting pitcher Matt Garza pitched eight innings giving up two runs on six hits and striking out six.

Final Score:
Rays: 4
Red Sox: 3

WP - Matt Garza (2-3) | LP -Daisuke Matsuzaka (1-4) | SV - Dan Wheeler (1)

HR:
Manny Ramirez - Red Sox (12)
Cliff Floyd - Rays (3)

5/4 - Rays (21-10) @ Red Sox (16-15): Game 3
The Rays extended their winning streak to seven games with a victory and sweep of the Red Sox in Boston today. In the top of the first, with Akinori Iwamura on third, Carlos Pena got a base hit up the middle and the Rays took a 1-0 lead, but the Red Sox tied it in the bottom of the first with a solo shot to right off the bat of David Ortiz. Rays DH, Cliff Floyd had to be taken out of the game in the top of the second inning after sliding into second base on a lead off double off the green monster in left. His condition is still currently unknown. Carlos Pena came through again in the top of the third with a solo shot to right giving the Rays the 2-1 lead. The Rays extended their lead in the fifth with back-to-back jacks; a two run blast hit by B.J. Upton, followed by another homer by Carlos Pena. The Red Sox tried to rally in the bottom of the ninth with a two-run double hit by Manny Ramirez, but they couldn't make the comeback. Rays starting pitcher Edwin Jackson pitched seven very strong innings giving up just one run on six hits and striking out two.

Final Score:
Rays: 5
Red Sox: 3

WP - Edwin Jackson (2-0) | LP - Clay Buchholz (1-2) | SV -

HR:
David Ortiz - Red Sox (7)
B.J. Upton - Rays (9)
Carlos Pena - Rays (14)
Carlos Pena - Rays (15)

5/6 - Rays (22-10) @ Blue Jays (18-15):Game 1
The Rays continue their hot winning streak to eight games with an extra inning victory over the Blue Jays in Toronto. B.J. Upton got it started in the top of the first with a solo homer, but the Blue Jays tied it up again with a solo homer off the bat of Alex Rios in the bottom of the first. The Rays then took the lead again in the top of the third with a deep solo shot off the bat of Carlos Pena. The Rays extended their lead in the fifth with another homer off the bat of Pena, this time a two run shot, but after Rays starter Hideo Nomo was taken out of the game seventh, the Blue Jays came back to tie it up with a solo homer hit by Matt Stairs, followed by a two-run blast hit by Lyle Overbay, tying the game at 4-4. Still tied in the top of the eleventh inning, Carlos Pena blasted another homer, his third of the game into the upper deck seats in right. Troy Percival protected the one run lead in the bottom of the inning for the save. Rays starting pitcher Hideo Nomo pitched 6 and a third innings giving up four runs on six hits and striking out six, taking a no decision. He was taken out of the game in the seventh with elbow pain and his condition is currently still unknown.

Final Score:
Rays: 5
Blue Jays: 4

WP - Dan Wheeler (4-0) | LP - Casey Janssen (1-2) | SV - Troy Percival (9)

HR:
Alex Rios - Blue Jays (7)
Matt Stairs - Blue Jays (6)
Lyle Overbay - Blue Jays (5)
B.J. Upton - Rays (10)
Carlos Pena - Rays (16)
Carlos Pena - Rays (17)
Carlos Pena - Rays (18)

Nomo placed on 15-Day DL; Rays Call Up Glover
After being taken out of the game in the seventh inning in yesterday's game against the Blue Jays because of elbow pains, Nomo has been placed on the 15 Day DL, and will most likely return after his stay. Replacing Nomo on the team while he's out is right handed pitcher Gary Glover.

5/7 - Rays (23-10) @ Blue Jays (18-16): Game 2
The Rays continue to win game after game this road trip, now having taken the first two of three in Toronto. In a scoreless game in the fifth, Iwamura got on on with a single, and stole second base. B.J. Upton then hustled out a triple, knocking in Iwamura to take a 1-0 lead, then followed by a sacrifice fly by Carlos Pena that brought in B.J. Upton, and that was all the scoring the Rays could get off A.J. Burnett, but that was all they needed. In the bottom of the eighth, Aaron Hill jacked a solo shot to left, but the Blue Jays couldn't make the comeback. Rays starting pitcher James Shields pitched seven strong, scoreless innings, giving up six hits, and striking out seven. Troy Percival protected the one run lead for the save in the bottom of the ninth.

Final Score:
Rays: 2
Blue Jays: 1

WP - James Shields (2-1) | LP - A.J. Burnett (4-3) | SV - Troy Percival (10)

HR:
Aaron Hill - Blue Jays (3)

5/8 - Rays (24-10) @ Blue Jays (18-17): Game 3
The Rays have completed their third consecutive sweep, this time of the Blue Jays on the road, and continued their winning streak to ten games in an extra innings thriller in Toronto. The Blue Jays struck first in third the with an RBI double hit by Aaron Hill knocking in Lyle Overbay to take a one run lead, and with no scoring since, it seemed the Blue Jays had the game in the bag until the ninth inning when Dionner Navarro came to the plate with two on, and knocked in Jonny Gomes. Still tied 1-1 in the tenth, Carlos Pena came to plate, hitless in the game, and blasted a solo homer to dead center field to take a 2-1 lead. The Rays brought in closer Troy Percival to close out the game in the bottom of the tenth, but couldn't keep the Jays down, giving up a solo shot to Gregg Zaun, tying the game at 2-2. Leading off the eleventh, on the first pitch of the inning, Gomes blasted a solo homer to left taking the lead again at 3-2, and that was the end of the game for Blue Jays starting pitcher Jesse Litsch. Troy Percival stayed in the game to pitch the bottom of the eleventh, and the Rays held on to the lead this time. Rays starting pitcher Andy Sonnanstine pitched seven innings giving up just one run on four hits and striking out five.

Final Score:
Rays: 3
Blue Jays: 2

WP - Troy Percival (2-0) | LP - Jesse Litsch (1-5) | SV -

HR:
Gregg Zaun - Blue Jays (4)
Carlos Pena - Rays (19)
Jonny Gomes - Rays (2)

5/9 - Angels (24-12) @ Rays (25-10): Game 1
The Rays continue their dominant streak, defeating the Angels in ten innings in Tampa Bay. The Angels scored first in the third, with an RBI double off the bat of Vladimir Guerrero knocking in Gary Matthews, Jr. The Rays then tied it up in the bottom of the seventh with an RBI hit by B.J. Upton scoring Jason Bartlett. Going into extras tied 1-1, Carlos Pena led off the bottom of the tenth, and belted his twentieth homer of the season into the right field bleachers, a walk-off solo shot. Rays starter Matt Garza pitched seven great innings giving up the only Angels run on five hits and striking out two. This is the eleventh win in a row for the Rays, and they are on fire.

Final Score:
Angels: 1
Rays: 2

WP - Al Reyes (3-1) | LP - Kelvim Escobar (3-3) | SV -

HR:
Carlos Pena - Rays (20)

5/10 - Angels (24-13) @ Rays (26-10): Game 2
The Rays continue their VERY hot streak with a second win over the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim today. In the bottom of the first, with Akinori Iwamura on first because of an error by Angels second baseman Maicer Izturis, B.J. Upton blasted a ball off the wall in right center field, scoring Iwamura, but Upton was caught in a rundown and was eventually tagged out on the play. In the top of the second, Torri Hunter hit a solo shot to left center, tying the game at one each. In the bottom of the third, with Iwamura on base again, and Upton at the plate again, Upton blasted a two-run homer into the upper deck seats in left field, taking a two run lead. The Rays scored two more runs in the bottom of the fifth, with an RBI hit by Evan Longoria knocking in Jason Bartlett, and Jonny Gomes, knocking in Akinori Iwamura. The Rays then extended their lead even more in the bottom of the seventh with a two-run homer off the bat of Carlos Pena. In the top of the eighth, the Angels picked up another run with an RBI double hit by Gary Matthews, Jr. knocking in Chone Figgins. Rays starting pitcher Edwin Jackson pitched seven innings, giving up just one run on four hits and striking out one.

Final Score:
Angels: 2
Rays: 7

WP - Edwin Jackson (3-0) | LP - Jon Garland (5-1) | SV -

HR:
B.J. Upton - Rays (11)
Carlos Pena - Rays (21)
Torri Hunter - Angels (4)

5/11 - Angels (24-14) @ Rays (27-10): Game 3
The Angels have finally ended the Rays long winning streak with a huge first inning, scoring five runs off Rays starter Scott Kazmir. The Angels then scored another run extended their lead to six runs in the second. In the bottom of the fourth, the Rays scored their only two runs with RBI hits by Jason Bartlett knocking in Dioner Navarro and Akinori Iwamura knocking in Rocco Baldelli. The Angels scored once more in the top of the ninth with a solo shot hit by Howie Kendrick, his eigth of the season. Rays starter Scott Kazmir as said before was beat up in the first, giving up a total of six runs in this game on nine hits, and one strikeout.

Final Score:
Angels: 7
Rays: 2

WP - Jered Weaver (2-3) | LP - Scott Kazmir (4-1) | SV -

HR:
Howie Kendrick - Angels (8)
Casey Kotchman - Angels (6)

5/12 - Yankees (21-18) @ Rays (27-11): Game 1
The Rays have now dropped two in a row, this one to the Yankees at home. In the bottom of the third, with B.J. Upton on second, Carlos Pena hit a single up the middle, knocking in Upton to take a 1-0 lead, and then Evan Longoria followed with a two-run blast to center field to extend the lead to 3-0. With the score 3-1, the Yankees viciously fought back in the sixth, scoring seven runs on two homers. A three-run homer by Alex Rodriguez, and later in the inning, a grand slam by Melky Cabrera to take an 8-3 lead. Jason Giambi extended the Yankees lead in the top of the seventh with a solo shot. In the bottom of the eigth, the Rays scored once more with an RBI knock by Jonny Gomes to bring in Evan Longoria, but Alex Rodriguez did it again in the top of the ninth, with a two-run blast. Rays starting pitcher Chuck James started the game well, but was taken out in the sixth after giving up the three-run homer to Alex Rodriguez then getting two on. James was charged with six earned runs on ten hits pitching five and one-third innings.

Final Score:
Yankees: 11
Rays: 4

WP - Ian Kennedy (2-1) | LP - Chuck James (0-1) | SV -

HR:
Evan Longoria - Rays (10)
Alex Rodriguez - Yankees (10)
Alex Rodriguez - Yankees (11)
Jason Giambi - Yankees (7)
Melky Cabrera - Yankees (6)

5/13 - Yankees (22-18) @ Rays (27-12): Game 2
The Rays have now dropped three in a row, and two in a row to the Yankees in game two of this four game set in Tampa. The Yankees scored first in the top of the second with a monster solo homer to left by Alex Rodriguez, but the Rays tied it in the bottom of the inning with an RBI base hit by Jason Bartlett scoring Cliff Floyd. The Yankees then took a 2-1 lead in the top of the third with an opposite field homer by Hideki Matsui. The Rays tied it up once again in the bottom of the third with a solo blast by B.J. Upton, but that was all the Rays would get as the Yankees scored twice more in the top of the seventh, and a huge five run ninth to win the game. Alex Rodriguez homered three times in this game and drove in five of the Yankees nine runs. Rays starting pitcher James Shields pitched seven innings giving up four earned runs on four hits and striking out three.

Final Score:
Yankees: 9
Rays: 2

WP - Chien-Ming Wang (3-2) | LP - James Shields (2-2) | SV -

HR:
B.J. Upton - Rays (12)
Bobby Abreu - Yankees (8)
Alex Rodriguez - Yankees (12)
Alex Rodriguez - Yankees (13)
Alex Rodriguez - Yankees (14)
Hideki Matsui - Yankees (7)

5/14 - Yankees (23-18) @ Rays (27-13): Game 3
The Rays have now suffered their fourth loss in a row, this being the third in a row to the Yankees in Tampa Bay. The Yankees scored first in this game in the top of the first with a two-run shot by Alex Rodriguez. In the bottom of the fourth, the Rays got on the board with a solo shot by Carlos Pena to narrow the Yankees lead to one run, but the Yankees sruck again in the top of the fifth with a monster two run shot by Bobby Abreu. In the bottom of the seventh, the Rays scored one more run on an RBI hit by Rocco Baldelli knocking in Cliff Floyd, but the Yankees scored twice more including a solo shot by Jason Giambi. Rays starting pitcher Andy Sonnanstine pitched six innings giving up four of the Yankees runs on eight hits and striking out six.

Final Score:
Yankees: 6
Rays: 2

WP - Andy Pettitte (3-4) | LP - Andy Sonnanstine (2-1) | SV -

HR:
Carlos Pena - Rays (22)
Bobby Abreu - Yankees (9)
Alex Rodriguez - Yankees (15)
Jason Giambi - Yankees (8)

Crawford Returns; Rays Send Down Gomes
Carl Crawford's stay on the DL has ended and he has completely recovered from his injury. Crawford will be back with the team in time to play the fourth and final game of the series against the Yankees in Tampa Bay. To make room for Crawford on the roster, the Rays are sending back down Jonny Gomes, who took Crawford's place when Crawford had the injury.

5/15 - Yankees (24-18) @ Rays (27-14): Game 4
ST. PETERSBURG -- The Rays have finally ended their losing streak with a victory over the Yankees. The Rays scored first in the bottom of the first with a sacrifice hit by Carlos Pena to knock in Akinori Iwamura who was on third. The Yankees tied it up in the top of the second with a solo homer off the bat off Alex Rodriguez. The Rays took the lead again in the bottom of the second with an RBI double by Dioner Navarro to bring in Carl Crawford. The Rays then had a huge six run fourth capped off by a monster grand slam off the bat of Carlos Pena. The Rays would score three more runs in this game. The Yankees scored two more in the top of the eighth with RBI hits by Johhny Damon to bring in Jorge Posada and Derek Jeter to bring in Melky Cabrera. Rays starting pitcher Matt Garza pitched seven strong innings giving up just one run to the Yankees on five hits and striking out seven.

Final Score:
Yankees: 3
Rays: 9

WP - Matt Garza (3-3) | LP - Ian Kennedy (2-2) | SV -

HR:
Carlos Pena - Rays (23)
Alex Rodriguez - Yankees (16)

5/16 - Rays (28-14) @ Cardinals (26-17): Game 1
ST. LOUIS -- The Rays have won two in a row with a huge victory destroying the Cardinals. The Rays scored three in the first with an RBI single off the bat of Evan Longoria to score B.J. Upton followed later in the inning by an RBI single off the bat of Dioner Navarro to score Longoria and Crawford. With a 5-0 lead in the fourth, B.J. Upton blasted his thirteenth homer of the season to dead center field, a two-run shot to make it 7-0. Carlos Pena hit his twenty-fourth homer of the season in the seventh, and Carl Crawford, who went 5-5 today coming a triple away from the cycle hit his first homer of the season in the top of the eighth inning. Rays starting pitcher Edwin Jackson pitched a dominant seven innings giving up the only Cardinals run, a solo homer by Troy Glaus in the bottom of the seventh, on seven hits, and striking out three.

Final Score:
Rays: 14
Cardinals: 1

WP - Edwin Jackson (4-0) | LP - Brad Thompson (3-2) | SV -

HR:
Troy Glaus - Cardinals (12)
B.J. Upton - Rays (13)
Carlos Pena - Rays (24)
Carl Crawford - Rays (1)

I like this nice job and I'm glad you ended the losing streak
It seems to be more realistic with the harder settings

My record is still too high. I'll boost the difficulty a little more, go on a few game losing streak to fall back with the pack, and hopefully figure it out how to play on the harder setting. Right now, I have all CPU levels on "All-Star".

I honestly believe that when I play season mode, the computer sims the Reds very well.