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Rays seek winning streak in Windy City

Apr 9, 2011 - 2:34 PM (Sports Network) - The Tampa Bay Rays try to put their first winning streak of the season together this evening when they continue their four-game series against the Chicago White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field.

Tampa finally got off the schneid on Friday, as Dan Johnson blasted a go-ahead three-run homer in the ninth, capping a five- run rally the Rays used to grab their first win of the season, a 9-7 decision.

Before Friday, the Rays were 0-6, becoming just the second division champion to start a season with that record since division play began in 1969. They had also tied the 1905 Boston Americans for the worst start by a team that had the league's best record the previous season.

Tampa Bay, which hadn't led all season, took advantage of two errors to plate five runs against Matt Thornton (0-1) and move in front, and Kyle Farnsworth retired the side in order in the bottom half to secure the victory.

"There's no feeling like it," Johnson said. "It makes everything better. We were just talking about how good the food tastes now. It leaves such a bad taste in your mouth, losing. And everything seems better right now."

The nine runs scored were one more than the Rays had plated through their first six games.

Gordon Beckham and Mark Teahen both had three hits, including a homer, for the White Sox, who had won their last two games.

Tampa's win came on the heels of Manny Ramirez announcing his retirement following "an issue under Major League Baseball's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program." Rather than serve a 100-game suspension Ramirez chose to quit after appearing in just five games for the Rays, while going 1-for-17.

Today, Tampa will hand the ball to righty Wade Davis, who lost his season debut on Sunday to Baltimore. Davis gave up four runs and eight hits in 6 1/3 innings of that one and struck out three, while walking a batter.

Davis could get on track today, as he is a perfect 2-0 in two starts against the White Sox with a 2.19 ERA.

Heading to the hill for the White Sox will be right-hander Philip Humber, who will be making the third big league start of his young career. Humber has appeared twice out of the bullpen for the Pale Hose and has pitched to a 9.00 ERA, allowing two runs in two innings of work.

Humber has faced the Rays one other time in relief and surrendered two runs and three hits in 5 1/3 innings of that outing.

Tampa Bay was 4-3 against the White Sox last season.

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