Rays Report

By MARC TOPKIN
Published August 20, 2007

Quote of the day

"I thought I'd have to go retro Alstott on the catcher just to make up ground. Luckily no one got hurt and we scored."

Jonny Gomes, invoking the spirit of Bucs FB Mike Alstott, right, on his 12th-inning rumble home.

Did you know?

Class A Columbus RHP Lewis Rollins, a 2006 11th-round pick from tiny Winthrop (S.C.) University, tied Andy Sonnanstine's 2006 franchise record with his 15th win, most in the minors. He is 15-4 with a 2.57 ERA and 140 strikeouts.

Number of the day

8 Walkoff wins by the Rays, three shy of their 2000 team best.

Tonight: Rays vs. Red Sox

When/where: 7:10; Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg

TV/radio: FSN; 1250-AM, 680-AM (Spanish)

Probable pitchers: Red Sox - RHP Tim Wakefield (14-10, 4.55); Rays - LHP Scott Kazmir (9-7, 3.44)

Rays tickets: $13-$270, prime pricing. Available at Tropicana Field box office, all Ticketmaster outlets, devilrays.com.

Rays info: (727) 825-3250

Watch for ...

Special K: Rays starter Scott Kazmir tends to get up against the Red Sox, with a 5-5 record, flashy 2.37 ERA and impressive .213 opponents average in 14 starts.

Power outage: Kazmir has had his way with Sox sluggers David Ortiz (.147, 5-for-34 with nine strikeouts) and Manny Ramirez (.139, 5-for-36 with 11 Ks), and Kevin Youkilis (.190, 4-for-21, 10 Ks).

Wake's shakes: Red Sox starter Tim Wakefield torments the Rays with his knuckleball, posting an 18-2 record and 2.83 ERA. He is especially rough on Carlos Pena (2-for-19), B.J. Upton (2-for-10) and Delmon Young (0-for-9). Carl Crawford, though, is hitting .329 (23-for-70).

On deck

Tuesday: Red Sox, 7:10, prime pricing, Ch. 66. Rays - Andy Sonnanstine (2-8, 6.17); Red Sox - Jon Lester (1-0, 5.14)

Wednesday: Red Sox, 7:10, prime pricing, FSN. Rays - Edwin Jackson (3-12, 5.69); Red Sox - Daisuke Matsuzaka (13-9, 3.79)

[Last modified August 20, 2007, 00:15:09]