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Shields goes distance again, Rays blank Jays

Apr 24, 2011 - 11:32 PM Toronto, ON (Sports Network) - James Shields followed up his complete-game win over the White Sox with a four-hit shutout, as the Tampa Bay Rays blanked the Toronto Blue Jays, 2-0, in the rubber match of a three-game series at Rogers Centre.

Shields (2-1), who limited Chicago to one run and four hits on Tuesday, walked two and struck out seven Toronto batters Sunday. The right-hander tossed the third shutout of his career and the first since May 9, 2008 against the Angels.

Ben Zobrist clubbed a two-run homer in the first inning for Tampa Bay, which improved to 11-5 since it started the season 0-6.

Ricky Romero (1-3) gave up five hits, walked one and fanned 10 over seven strong frames for the Blue Jays, who have dropped six of eight.

The Rays struck in their first at-bat. Johnny Damon extended his hitting streak to 13 games with a one-out single and Zobrist followed with a blast to the left-field seats.

Shields didn't allow a hit until Juan Rivera singled to leadoff the fifth. John McDonald reached on a two-out single to put two men on base. Shields, though, struck out Mike McCoy to end the inning.

Toronto's Corey Patterson failed to advance after leading off the next frame with a double.

Shields walked Jose Bautista to start the ninth, but picked him off at first base.

"I think we're pressing a little bit, trying to get something going. I think Jose was trying to do a little too much on the basepath," Blue Jays manager John Farrell explained.

Game Notes

Shields notched his seventh career complete game...Damon and Zobrist both had two hits...Bautista walked twice...Tampa Bay won 10 of the 18 meetings with Toronto last season...Time of game: 2:05.