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Ruggiano helps Rays down Angels

Jun 7, 2011 - 5:14 AM Anaheim, CA (Sports Network) - Justin Ruggiano knocked in three runs, including a two-run home run, and David Price tossed seven-plus strong innings to give the Rays a 5-1 victory over the Angels in the first of three games at Angel Stadium.

Price (7-5) allowed one run on five hits and fanned seven as Tampa Bay won for the second time in three games.

"I was able to pound the strike zone and this was the best my changeup has been," said Price. "Our offense responded great. It was fun."

Tyler Chatwood (3-3) allowed five runs -- four earned -- on nine hits and a walk through seven innings. He also struck out five in the Angels fifth loss in six contests.

Johnny Damon led off the game with a single, stole second and advanced to third on a Ben Zobrist sacrifice bunt before coming home on a Matt Joyce sacrifice fly. Casey Kotchman followed by reaching first on Alberto Callaspo`s fielding error, moved to third on a John Jaso single and scored on a Ruggiano single to give the Rays an early 2-0 lead.

Tampa Bay increased its lead in the sixth on a two-run home run by Ruggiano.

"I felt good. I threw a lot of strikes and attacked the hitters. I got out of some jams but the home run hurt a bit," said Chatwood about his performance.

The Rays made it 5-0 in the seventh after Reid Brignac led off the inning with a bunt single and moved to second on a groundout by Ben Zobrist. Matt Joyce then singled to bring in Brignac.

Mark Trumbo led off the eighth inning with a double and scored on a Jeff Mathis single to put the Angels on the board and knock Price off the mound.

Cesar Ramos took the bump next and got Peter Bourjos to ground out, Maicer Izturis to strike out swinging and Erick Aybar to ground out to end the inning.

The only other times the Angels had runners reach scoring position was in the first and fourth innings. They had a man on second with one out in both instances, but were not able to bring any one across the plate. Altogether the Angels went 1-for-5 in those situations and left four men on base.

Game Notes

Damon has now reached base safely in a career-high 32 straight games...Price improved to 2-2 against the Angels in six starts...Trumbo extended his hit streak to eight games...Tampa Bay's pitchers did not allow a walk all game.