Give Cole Hammels credit.  He pitched a great game, as we expected (see earlier blog: Key's to Rays win in Game one.) Scott Kazmir settled in, but not before he gave up that two-run homer in the 1st inning.  We warned against that happening.  That's history.  Let's move forward to game two.

   Here are my keys to a Rays win tonight, and it's not all James Shields.  Here's why.  Two-thirds of that nasty top six in the Phillies lineup found their groove.  Rollins, Howard and Burrell did not.  Don't expect that outcome the entire series.  Shields will not pitch a shutout, so that means the likes of  Upton, Pena and Longoria (0-12 last night) have to produce. I would expect them to tonight against Phillies pitcher Brett Myers.  If the Rays think they can fall on the shoulders of Shields alone, they're mistaken. 

   KEYS: Shields goes 7 innings, giving up three or less runs, avoiding Philly the luxury to use Matson and Lindge in the 8th and 9th.  Two of the big three in the Rays lineup produce (see above.) No errors, and keep Phillies base runners to a minimum.  Philadelphia left 11 men on base last night!  Keep Aybar in the lineup and move Floyd to DH role.  Myers ERA vs. right hander's is .293 in the postseason.  

    Tom Korun