Rays 2 - 3 Blue Jays
Final
  for this game

Rays aim to extend solid road play at Toronto

May 19, 2011 - 2:35 PM

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(Sports Network) - The Tampa Bay Rays sit atop the American League East standings thanks in large part to their record away from home. Tonight, they get a chance to add to the majors' best road mark when they conclude a brief two-game set with the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre.

The Rays improved to 14-5 in the opposition's ballpark on Wednesday, as Matt Joyce hit a two-run homer and scored twice to help Tampa to a 6-5 win. Elliot Johnson went 2-for-3 with three RBI and a run scored for the Rays, who won for only the second time in their last five games overall, but picked up their 11th win in 12 chances as the visitor.

"We put up runs early and couldn't seem to push any more across," said Johnson. "They just seemed to keep creeping up on us. But a win's a win. We'll take it."

Jeremy Hellickson (5-2) gave up four runs -- three earned -- on five hits over 5 2/3 innings to win his fourth straight start. He also struck out six and walked three.

Aaron Hill had two RBI and a run scored for the Blue Jays, who had a six-game winning streak snapped. Designated hitter Eric Thames went 1-for-3 with an RBI and run scored in his MLB debut.

Jesse Litsch (4-3) allowed six runs -- five earned -- on seven hits over five full frames to suffer the loss. He also walked three batters for Toronto, which committed five errors.

Tonight, the Rays turn to right-hander Wade Davis, who lost for the first time in five decisions his last time out. Davis was defeated by the Baltimore Orioles on Saturday, as he allowed four runs and seven hits in 5 1/3 innings to fall to 4-3 on the year, while raising his earned run average to 3.47.

Davis did not get a decision the last time he faced the Jays but owns a 2-1 ledger against them with a 2.60 ERA in four starts.

Toronto, meanwhile, will counter with impressive left-hander Ricky Romero, who is 3-4 with a 3.35 ERA, but has won two of his last three starts. Romero came within an out of the second shutout of his career on Friday in Minnesota, as he held the hapless Twins scoreless over 8 2/3 innings. He scattered four hits in the win and fanned eight before leaving exiting with one out in the ninth.

"I prepared well all week to kind of get to this point," Romero said. "After a little rough outing, I think it motivates you even more to come out and just have a good outing for the team and for a much-needed rest for the bullpen."

Romero lost to the Rays back on April 24 and is 2-3 lifetime against them with a 4.12 ERA in six starts.

Tampa has won five of seven from the Jays this season.






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