Zobrist, Floyd lead Rays in rout of O's

AUGUST 29, 2008

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) -- Ben Zobrist hit a grand slam, Cliff Floyd drove in five runs and the AL East-leading Tampa Bay Rays guaranteed their first-ever winning season with a 14-3 rout of the Baltimore Orioles on Friday night.

Floyd had a two-run double, Zobrist hit his slam and Gabe Gross added a solo shot during a seven-run fourth that made it 10-0.

Scott Kazmir (10-6) allowed three hits and three walks over 5 1-3 scoreless innings. The left-hander has won 10 games or more in four straight seasons. Tampa Bay joined the 1968 Oakland Athletics as the only teams to have five pitchers 26 years old or younger with 20 starts and 10 wins in the same season.

(Pictured - Ben Zobrist hits his first career grand slam in the fourth off of Fernando Cabrera. Times photo - James Borchuck. Click to enlarge.)

Posted by Times Editor at 9:52:25 pm on August 29, 2008 | Permalink | Comments |

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