Rays pitchers strike out 15, Chicago Cubs shutout 4-0

The Tampa Bay Rays scored two runs in the fourth and sixth innings while starter Jake Odorizzi struck out nine as the Chicago Cubs fell 4-0 Saturday afternoon at Wrigley Field.

Odorizzi (8-9) gave up just three hits in six inning while striking out nine, including five in a row. The Cubs (49-66) struck out 15 times throughout the game against the Rays pitching staff.

Baez struck out three times and went 1-for-4. He had six consecutive strikeouts over the last two games before doubling to left on a 10-pitch at-bat in the sixth, and then struck out in the ninth. Baez was the Cubs’ lone runner in scoring position through eight until Starlin Castro‘s single moved Anthony Rizzo to second in the ninth.

The Rays (57-59) took a 2-0 lead in the fourth beginning with a double by Ben Zobrist that deflect off right-fielder Justin Ruggiano‘s glove and into the ivy. Zobrist circled the bases, but the was sent back to second base after it was ruled a ground rule double when Ruggiano did not attempt to retrieve the ball from the ivy.

Evan Longoria hit a RBI double then Yunel Escobar singled to right, where Ruggiano lobbed the ball back into the infield, apparently forgetting Longoria was on base and allowing him to score easily for a 2-0 lead.

Arismendy Alcantara impressed in center field with a sliding catch in the third and a diving grab in the fourth, both came with runners on base.

Luis Valbuena made a diving stop at third and his throw was dropped at second by Baez for Zobrist to stay on, then Escobar doubled in two more runs in the sixth to make it 4-0.

Edwin Jackson (6-12) lasted six innings and gave up four earns, three earned, on five hits and three walks.

Newly-acquired pitcher Jacob Turner is schedule to join the team Sunday and will more likely head to the bullpen. The Cubs have not announced whose roster spot he will take.

The Cubs will try to avoid getting swept as Travis Wood (7-9, 5.08) takes the mound and the Rays counter with Alex Cobb (7-6, 3.52) on Sunday at 1:20 p.m.

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