Morton ran his record to 4-0 with the win./CHUCK MULLER
Wednesday, 4 a.m.
It's hard to say an undefeated pitcher returned to form Tuesday night.
On the other hand, welcome back, Charlie Morton.
Morton, despite a 4-0 record, came off a shaky start in a 4-0 victory over the Miami Marlins. In his previous game, Morton had allowed seven hits and four walks in five innings (and allowed 11 of 24 batters faced to reach base).
Tuesday night, he was sharp once again. Morton allowed just three hits (and no walks) in seven innings pitched as the Rays thumped the 10-30 Marlins.
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Garcia had three hits including a home run./CHUCK MULLER
“He was outstanding," Rays' manager Kevin Cash said. "He had the fastball going. The curve was really, really good. He even threw some really good cutters."
Morton is now 4-0 on the year and hasn't lost his last seven decisions. He is the last unbeaten starter for the Rays.
The Rays' Avisail Garcia was the offensive star of the game. He had three hits, including a 471-foot home run. He drove in three of the Rays' four runs. Kevin Kiermaier walked with the bases loaded for another RBI.
“I was shocked at how far that ball went," Cash said. "They had a guy here for several years in (Giancarlo) Stanton who hit the ball a long way. But that's got to be right up there with some of his majestic shots. It just kept going. To get it over the Batter's Eye is impressive."
Morton had sworn the cut down on his walks in the game (he had 21 on the season) and did. He stayed well ahead of the anemic Marlins' offense.
With the win, the Rays increased their lead to one game in front of the New York Yankees in the battle for the AL East Division lead. The Rays are now 25-15 on the season. The Yankees were rained out for the second straight day.
Ryan Stanek starts for the Rays today against the Marlins. Jose Urena (1-5) will pitch for Miami. Game time is 7:10 p.m.
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