Strong streak: Shields is coming off one of his best starts of the season, when he gave up one run over seven innings in a win against the Mets. He has given up two earned runs or less in four of his past five outings. Shields is 2-1 with a 4.13 ERA in five career starts against the Marlins.
Young gun: Johnson has won four of his past five starts in an impressive season, including a gem in his last outing (giving up one run over seven against the Yankees). He is 1-0 with a 3.10 ERA in three starts against Tampa Bay.
Key matchups
vs. Shields
Ramirez5-for-15
Uggla3-for-11
Gload5-for-11
Baker2-for-3, HR
vs. Johnson
Burrell2-for-12
Crawford1-for-7
Longoria2-for-4
On deck
Saturday: vs. Marlins, 7:08, FSN. Rays — Jeff Niemann (6-4, 4.23); Marlins — Chris Volstad (5-7, 4.74)
Joe Smith, Times staff writer
Couple of the day
Julianna Zobrist, right, the Christian rock/alternative singing wife of Rays INF Ben Zobrist, performed the national anthem before Thursday's game. Then, in the first inning, Ben hit a two-run homer. "I really enjoy watching her perform," he said. "She's so good, just so much talent, that I don't mind being upstaged." His review: "She had a good pace and very classy."
Nominees of the day
This year's ESPYs, ESPN's award show for the best in sports, will include several Rays nominees, with Evan Longoria (best breakthrough athlete), manager Joe Maddon (best coach/manager) and the Rays winning the ALCS (best upset). Fans can vote at www.espys.tv.
Quote of the day
"We ambushed him."
Manager Joe Maddon on keeping Evan Longoria out of Thursday's starting lineup — a precaution because of his sore left hamstring — without consulting him first
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