Rookie pitches well but doesn't get win

By PETE YOUNG, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published May 4, 2002

ST. PETERSBURG -- Earning that first win can be an excruciating process when you're playing for a team as snakebitten as the Rays.

Rookie right-hander Delvin James watched his seven innings of superb work go up in flames in the ninth Friday as Tampa Bay botched a 2-1 lead to Boston and lost 3-2.

For James, 24, who allowed 4 hits, 2 walks and 1 earned run in seven innings (85 pitches), victory No.1 is on hold.

"I thought we had it tonight," said James, who has a 4.50 ERA that was bloated by one bad start in which he allowed six runs in 21/3 against Boston on April27. "I'm not even worried about the first, second, third (win). They're going to come. If I keep throwing the ball like that, I'll win more times than not."

James is earning a Ph.D in patience. He expected a late-season call-up in 2001 but was denied. He hoped to make the team out of spring training but was assigned to Class AAA Durham.

Since being called up in mid April, he has made four starts. In three he has pitched at least five innings and allowed two or fewer runs. His record: 0-2.

Rays catcher Toby Hall said he was impressed by James' effort against a team with six starters batting .323 or better.

"He did outstanding. That was a big performance against a big lineup," Hall said. "He was able to throw all four pitches and keep them off-balance."

ANOTHER LOWE?: The Rays get a rare opportunity at immediate redemption -- or as immediate as it gets -- today against Red Sox right-hander Derek Lowe.

Lowe threw a no-hitter against Tampa Bay in his last start April29 in Boston. It was the low-water mark of the Rays' slump and capped a sensational month for Lowe.

The former reliever was named the American League pitcher of the month, going 4-1 in five starts with a 2.04 ERA. In 351/3 innings he allowed 15 hits (no home runs), 9 walks and struck out 23.

It is the 14th time since 1920 a pitcher has faced the same team in his next start after a no-hitter. The previous 13 are 6-3 with four no-decisions in the follow-up game.

The Rays hope to have learned from Lowe's last outing.

"I think we definitely would like another shot at him," outfielder Jason Tyner said. "Hopefully, we can get some hits early and get some runs. I think everybody got a good look at him."

Manager Hal McRae said Tampa Bay can expect Lowe to take the same approach.

"When a pitcher throws a good game, he generally shows you everything he has," McRae said. "It's not like he was throwing something they couldn't see. I expect to see them have better swings, and I'm sure they do, too."

ON THE MEND: Wilson Alvarez threw Thursday from the bullpen, and trainer Jamie Reed said it went well. Alvarez, on the disabled list with a strained rib cage, will throw Sunday and be re-evaluated.

DIDN'T HELP: Rays designated hitter Greg Vaughn, mired in a season-long slump, had two hits Wednesday and was rested Thursday for the first time this season.

Back in the lineup Friday, Vaughn went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts and a flyout and is hitting .112 (11-of-98).

HOO-RAYS: Wesley Chapel High junior Justin Losh, who has a 3.67 grade point average and is the manager of the school's football team, was honored as the winner of the 2002 Tony Saunders Courage Award. Losh, who has cerebral palsy, will receive a $2,500 scholarship.

MISCELLANY: The first 15,000 fans today receive a Rays cap. ... Durham outfielder Carl Crawford and Charleston right-hander Jarrod Matthews were named the Rays minor-league player and pitcher of the month, respectively. Crawford hit .347 with 18 extra-base hits, and Matthews was 3-0 with a 0.78 ERA. ... Boston shortstop Nomar Garciaparra's hitting streak ended at 15 games.

Today's lineup

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