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Shields, Guthrie face off in Opening Day rematch

Apr 11, 2008 - 2:22 PM Baltimore (6-3) at Tampa Bay (4-5) 7:10 pm EDT

ST. PETERSBURG, Florida (Ticker) - James Shields and Jeremy Guthrie face off in a rematch of Opening Day when the Baltimore Orioles and Tampa Bay Rays open a three-game series on Friday.

Shields (1-1) claimed the victory on March 31 by allowing just two runs and five hits in seven strong innings, leading the Rays to a 6-2 win over the Orioles.

The 26-year-old righthander had another impressive outing in his last start, surrendering eight hits but just two runs in five innings, but didn't get any run support as Tampa Bay suffered a 2-0 loss to the New York Yankees on Sunday.

The Rays are hoping for another stellar start from Shields after starter Matt Garza joined staff ace Scott Kazmir on the disabled list earlier this week.

Garza, who was acquired from the Minnesota Twins during the offseason, was placed on the DL after his first home start on Tuesday with radial nerve irritation. Kazmir has been out since February 25 with a left elbow strain.

Guthrie (0-1) was dismal on Opening Day, allowing six runs - five earned - on nine hits, lasting just 5 1/3 innings.

However, the 29-year-old righthander bounced back in his last start on Sunday, allowing just two runs while scattering six hits over seven innings. Guthrie did not factor in the decision, though, as the Orioles rallied for three-runs in the bottom of the ninth inning to claim a 3-2 victory against the Seattle Mariners.