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Outta left field

Times Staff Writer
Published August 9, 2004

Which current player does Seattle's Ichiro Suzuki remind Rays manager Lou Piniella of? None, Piniella said. "He is very unique. If you go a ways back, with the way he runs and slaps at the ball, maybe a little like Ralph Garr, Matty Alou or maybe even a Vic Davalillo."

But even tougher to get out. "If you can get him to chase that ball up and away and get some fly balls to leftfield, that might be the best way," Piniella said.

TONIGHT: RAYS AT RED SOX

WHEN/WHERE: 7:05; Fenway Park, Boston.

TV/RADIO: FSN; WFLA-AM 970.

PITCHERS: Rays - LHP John Halama (5-5, 4.39), Red Sox - RHP Curt Schilling (13-5, 3.38).

NOTES: This will be Halama's 10th consecutive start after spending the first 21/2 months of the season in the bullpen. ... He is 2-4 with a 3.39 ERA in 15 games against the Red Sox, including eight starts. He went 51/3 scoreless innings April 29 against Boston, allowing three hits and striking out two, to match his longest career relief outing. ... Schilling entered Sunday second in the league with 1.4 walks per nine innings, tied for second with 13 wins and third with 137 strikeouts. He beat the Rays 5-2 Tuesday with a complete game, allowing six hits with seven strikeouts and one walk. ... DH David Ortiz led the league with 65 extra-base hits and 246 total bases.

RAYS TICKETS: Available at the Tropicana Field box office, through all Ticketmaster outlets, online at devilrays.com or ticketmaster.com and at the Devil Rays Dugout store at WestShore Plaza in Tampa.

INFORMATION: Call toll free 1-888-326-7297 (FAN-RAYS).

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