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Archer leads first-place Rays to sweep of Jays (w/ video)

 
ST. PETERSBURG, FL - APRIL 26:  Chris Archer #22 of the Tampa Bay Rays pitches during the first inning of a game against the Toronto Blue Jays on April 26, 2015 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida.  (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) 538578123
ST. PETERSBURG, FL - APRIL 26: Chris Archer #22 of the Tampa Bay Rays pitches during the first inning of a game against the Toronto Blue Jays on April 26, 2015 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) 538578123
Published April 27, 2015

ST. PETERSBURG — The night before one of the most impressive starts of his career, Chris Archer knew chicken noodle soup wouldn't be enough.

He was sick, in the middle of a 48-hour bug, and figured he needed something more substantial than soup to fuel him through Sunday's sweep of the Blue Jays.

"Half of a meal of substance would be better than guzzling some soup," Archer said. "I knew I would need energy."

Powered by whatever salmon, brussels sprouts and quinoa he kept down, Archer delivered seven shutout innings in the Rays' 5-1 win over Toronto at Tropicana Field.

His stat line in the Rays' fifth consecutive victory was strong enough on its own. The 26-year-old right-hander set a club record with his fourth consecutive start without allowing an earned run. That feat hasn't been accomplished by an AL pitcher in one season since Zack Greinke did so during his 2009 Cy Young-winning season with the Royals.

But Archer's performance was even more impressive considering the circumstances. He said he woke up sick Friday night and had to leave Saturday's game early to try to rest. He needed intravenous fluids after Sunday's win because even drinking water between innings made him sick.

"We've got a nice drainage system," manager Kevin Cash said of the Rays' dugout.

Although Archer didn't look great, his results were once again stellar, in front of an announced crowd of 21,107. Archer struck out seven, allowing only two hits and one walk. His only real test came with two on in the first — a situation he defused by striking out Justin Smoak.

"It just goes to show how much of a competitor he is, how focused he is no matter how he's feeling physically," third baseman Evan Longoria said.

Archer said he hoped to battle through five innings to save the bullpen. Instead he lasted seven innings and 93 pitches by harnessing his normally high emotions.

"I was trying to conserve my energy," Archer said. "I was really just happy about getting through each inning without vomiting on the mound."

The rest of the Rays (11-8) were able to pick him up, racking up 13 hits off Mark Buehrle — including three from Longoria, who extended his career high with seven consecutive hits.

Leftfielder Brandon Guyer had his first career leadoff home run and the team's first of the season. Guyer added a sac fly in the fourth and had a pivotal at-bat in the sixth.

Rene Rivera grounded into a bases-loaded double play that might have been deflating during the four-game losing streak to start the homestand. Instead, Guyer followed with a two-run single that helped the East Division-leading Rays climb three games above .500 for the first time since the end of 2013.

"That's kind of the way it's going for us right now," Longoria said.

Especially with Archer on the mound.

The blossoming ace hasn't allowed an earned run in his past 26? innings, in a streak that dates back to the sixth inning of opening day.

"I don't think we could have asked for a better month out of a starting pitcher," Cash said. "He's been as good as I've ever seen."

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Contact Matt Baker at mbaker@tampabay.com. Follow @MBakerTBTimes.