Kennedy's troubles have Piniella miffed

BALTIMORE - In theory, Joe Kennedy is supposed to be the most consistent member of the starting rotation.

In reality, he has been anything but.

And manager Lou Piniella isn't happy about it.

Kennedy continued his inconsistent season with another poor outing Sunday, failing to hold a 3-0 lead or make it through the fifth.

"It's been one game good and one game bad," Piniella said. "That's been a developing pattern, which is a little worrisome. He can't seem to put two good ones together back to back."

Kennedy has allowed the most hits (82) and runs (46) in the American League with Sunday the fourth time in seven starts he gave up 10 or more hits. Since his one-hit complete game May 2, he has allowed 36 baserunners in 142/3 innings and had only one 1-2-3 inning while going 1-1 with a no-decision.

"His location on some pitches is just not good," Piniella said. "Until he corrects that, he's going to continue to struggle at times."

Kennedy said he didn't know what the problem was.

"One day, I come out and locate my pitches. And one day, I come out, locate a little bit and then not locate," he said. "It's nothing wrong physically or mentally. It's just, I don't know, something I've got to work on. It's just one of those things."

NO ASSISTANCE REQUIRED: When the Devil Rays played their first game without an assist May 1, 2002, they didn't realize what they had done. And when they did it again Saturday night, they had no idea how rare a feat it was.

In baseball history, there have been only eight nine-inning games in which a team didn't record an assist. The Rays have done it twice in a 180-day span.

"Very weird," bench coach John McLaren said.

"Absolutely amazing," second baseman Marlon Anderson said.

"We started the night saying, "Let's see (new shortstop Julio Lugo) get a ground ball,"' third-base coach Tom Foley said. "He didn't get any ground balls. Nobody got any ground balls.

"That's tough to do."

How tough?

There have been more perfect games (19). More games in which a player hits four homers (13). And more unassisted triple plays (10).

The Rays got the 24 outs with nine strikeouts, 13 fly/popouts and two unassisted groundouts.

Jason Tyner is the only Ray to play in both games. "Trivia," he said. "Deep trivia."

A LEE-LEE: Ejected in the fourth for comments from the dugout on ball-and-strike calls, hitting coach Lee Elia went face to face with umpire Angel Hernandez at home plate for a few minutes. "He got his money's worth," Piniella said.

TIE GAME: The rookies had surprises in their lockers after the game - boy-sized ties to clip on their shirts. Rocco Baldelli had cartoon action figures, Brandon Backe M&Ms, Seth McClung soccer balls, Dewon Brazelton baseballs and Lance Carter plain red.

"At least people will know mine's a joke," Baldelli said.

GRIEVE UPDATE: Piniella said outfielder/DH Ben Grieve could be activated as soon as Tuesday. Grieve, who hasn't played since April 17 and had surgery on his left thumb, got eight at-bats in an extended spring training game Saturday and will do so again today. RECORD KEEPING: The Rays have won three consecutive road series (Detroit, Toronto and Baltimore) for the first time in their history. ... They have won three consecutive series (vs. Detroit, at Toronto, at Baltimore) for the first time since 2001 and won 6 of 8 series for the first time. ... This is the first time they have won seven series before June.

MISCELLANY: The Rays will know today if infielder Felix Escalona cleared waivers and can be sent to Triple-A Durham. Baltimore may be interested. ... Carter matched McClung for the team lead with four wins. ... Reliever Al Levine will get his World Series ring in Anaheim this week. ... After playing 13 times in 40 days, the Rays and Orioles don't play again until Aug. 11. The Rays lead the season series 7-6, and the overall series is 44-44.