Rays 1 - 0 Blue Jays
Final
  for this game

Karns' gem, Hanigan HR lifts Rays over Jays

Sep 13, 2014 - 5:54 AM Toronto, ON (SportsNetwork.com) - Nate Karns tossed seven scoreless frames to earn his first major league victory, while Ryan Hanigan produced the lone run of the contest on a homer as Tampa Bay nipped Toronto, 1-0, in the opener of a three-game series.

In his season and Tampa Bay debut, Karns (1-0) walked two and gave up two hits while striking out eight. Jake McGee and Grant Balfour each tossed a scoreless frame, with the latter claiming his 12th save.

"The nerves in general were a little overwhelming at first, but then they wore off and everything settled in," said Karns. "I'm just happy to get out with a W."

James Loney added a single for the Rays, who had dropped the final two games against the Yankees coming in.

Danny Valencia doubled and Adam Lind singled for the Blue Jays, whose four- game win streak came to an end.

J.A. Happ (9-10) gave up just one other hit and a walk as well as Hanigan's homer, while fanning seven over his superb but fruitless seven- inning outing.

"He's on a nice little roll," said Blue Jays manager John Gibbons. "He was really good tonight too. He just gave up that solo home run to Hanigan and that was the difference in the game. That's how it goes sometimes."

Hanigan's leadoff homer in the third gave the Rays a lead and both starters maintained composure, with neither club making a serious threat through seven innings.

Jose Reyes appeared to be hit on the hand by a McGee offering with one down in the bottom of the eighth, but upon a request for review, the call was overturned. Reyes then popped a bunt in front of the plate for the second out and Jose Bautista weakly popped to third to end the frame.

Balfour then retired the side in order to preserve the winning margin.

Toronto had its first two on base in the opening inning, as Reyes walked and Bautista was plunked, but failed to crack the scoreboard. Edwin Encarnacion hit into a double play and though Lind walked, Dioner Navarro grounded to first.

Game Notes

Karns went 0-1 with a 7.50 ERA in three starts for the Washington Nationals in 2013 ... Tampa Bay has won five games by a 1-0 score this season and extended its club record with its 20th shutout.






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