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Moriarty9 · 02-16-2009, 10:27 PM

Chen shines in Devil Rays debut
Young lefty throws complete game against Boston
July 7, 1999

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Making his first big league appearance since 1997, Tampa Bay Devil Rays pitcher Bruce Chen recorded a complete game victory over the visiting Boston Red Sox tonight.

Chen held the Boston bats to one run on six hits and no walks, striking out seven over 97 pitches in nine innings of work in his Devil Rays debut. The 22-year-old lefty was acquired in the expansion draft prior to last season and has posted a 27-9 record in the Tampa Bay minor leagues since. His only big league experience prior to tonight's start came during four starts with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1997, during which he went 1-2 with a 5.14 ERA in 21 innings.

"The kid really pitched a good ballgame," said Tampa Bay manager Christian O'Neal. "He threw strikes, kept the guys fresh in the field by working quick and not having to throw too many pitches. He really threw a good game out there tonight."

Chen was called up earlier this week to replace the struggling Kip Wells, who was demoted to AAA.

Chen didn't much run support, but Tampa Bay's three runs were enough to come away with the victory. Carlos Beltran, Jose Hernandez and Andruw Jones each picked up a RBI in the game while Jones and Paul Konerko were the only Devil Rays with two hits.

Kevin Ritz had one of his best outings of the season for Boston, giving up three runs in 4 2/3 innings. He falls to 0-8 with an 8.63 ERA on the season.

Nomar Garciaparra knocked in the lone run of the game for the Red Sox, hitting a solo home run in the fourth inning, his fourteenth of the season.

With the win, the improbable Devil Rays improve to 48-36. They move to just six games behind the first place New York Yankees in the American League East and now have sole possession of the Wild Card race, just one game ahead of the Toronto Blue Jays.

02-16-2009, 10:27 PM	#109 (permalink)
Moriarty9 All Star Starter Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 1,858 Thanks: 10 Thanked 3x in 3 posts	Chen shines in Devil Rays debut Young lefty throws complete game against Boston July 7, 1999 ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Making his first big league appearance since 1997, Tampa Bay Devil Rays pitcher Bruce Chen recorded a complete game victory over the visiting Boston Red Sox tonight. Chen held the Boston bats to one run on six hits and no walks, striking out seven over 97 pitches in nine innings of work in his Devil Rays debut. The 22-year-old lefty was acquired in the expansion draft prior to last season and has posted a 27-9 record in the Tampa Bay minor leagues since. His only big league experience prior to tonight's start came during four starts with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1997, during which he went 1-2 with a 5.14 ERA in 21 innings. "The kid really pitched a good ballgame," said Tampa Bay manager Christian O'Neal. "He threw strikes, kept the guys fresh in the field by working quick and not having to throw too many pitches. He really threw a good game out there tonight." Chen was called up earlier this week to replace the struggling Kip Wells, who was demoted to AAA. Chen didn't much run support, but Tampa Bay's three runs were enough to come away with the victory. Carlos Beltran, Jose Hernandez and Andruw Jones each picked up a RBI in the game while Jones and Paul Konerko were the only Devil Rays with two hits. Kevin Ritz had one of his best outings of the season for Boston, giving up three runs in 4 2/3 innings. He falls to 0-8 with an 8.63 ERA on the season. Nomar Garciaparra knocked in the lone run of the game for the Red Sox, hitting a solo home run in the fourth inning, his fourteenth of the season. With the win, the improbable Devil Rays improve to 48-36. They move to just six games behind the first place New York Yankees in the American League East and now have sole possession of the Wild Card race, just one game ahead of the Toronto Blue Jays.