With the All-Star Break to come, some last minute changes to the game’s roster took place. David Robertson took the place of David Price. The originally snubbed CC Sabathia (12-4 record) was placed on the roster despite starting today’s game (therefore was replaced as well).
CC showed why he deserved the All-Star title. In a duel of horses, Sabathia and Rays starter James Shields dueled a 0-0 game involving various miscues and mental errors. These lapses in judgment on both teams helped these dominant starters speed this game along.
Rays outfielder B.J. Upton made a defensive gem by throwing Eduardo Nunez out at home in the bottom of the 3rd to complete a double play.
Unfortunately he was also a part of ending rallies for his team. Sabathia picked him off of first in the top of the 4th and with 1 out in the 7th, Upton ran on a 3-2 count and was doubled off of 1st then too.
The lone run scored in this pitching duel on a pickoff error by Shields with 2 outs in the 7th. CC finished this game himself with his 113th pitch clocked at 98 mph for his 9th strikeout of his 13th win.
Ryan Nakada
@adakannayr
