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Moriarty9 · 04-16-2009, 02:51 PM

Devil Rays win division
Mulder shines in title-clinching game
September 29, 2001

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Tampa Bay Devil Rays are heading to the playoffs for the second time in their four year history.

Tampa Bay defeated the Toronto Blue Jays 7-1 at Tropicana Field this afternoon, eliminating the Boston Red Sox from playoff contention.

"These guys deserve this opportunity," said Devil Rays manager Christian O'Neal. "Now we have to make the best of this chance and prove we belong."

Mark Mulder has long been said to have the potential to show he belongs as top of the line starting pitcher for someone, but has largely been far too inconsistent to actually prove it. This afternoon, however, Mulder was dominant, holding the Blue Jays to one run on five hits and two walks, striking out six in eight innings. Rookie reliever Ben Weber retired the side in order on 10 pitches in the ninth inning.

With the win, Mulder improves to 10-8 on the season.

Charles Johnson hit a solo home run in the third inning, his 15th of the season, while Raul Mondesi hit a two-run shot in the fourth for his 33rd homer of the year.

04-16-2009, 02:51 PM	#243 (permalink)
Moriarty9 All Star Starter Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 1,858 Thanks: 10 Thanked 3x in 3 posts	Devil Rays win division Mulder shines in title-clinching game September 29, 2001 ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Tampa Bay Devil Rays are heading to the playoffs for the second time in their four year history. Tampa Bay defeated the Toronto Blue Jays 7-1 at Tropicana Field this afternoon, eliminating the Boston Red Sox from playoff contention. "These guys deserve this opportunity," said Devil Rays manager Christian O'Neal. "Now we have to make the best of this chance and prove we belong." Mark Mulder has long been said to have the potential to show he belongs as top of the line starting pitcher for someone, but has largely been far too inconsistent to actually prove it. This afternoon, however, Mulder was dominant, holding the Blue Jays to one run on five hits and two walks, striking out six in eight innings. Rookie reliever Ben Weber retired the side in order on 10 pitches in the ninth inning. With the win, Mulder improves to 10-8 on the season. Charles Johnson hit a solo home run in the third inning, his 15th of the season, while Raul Mondesi hit a two-run shot in the fourth for his 33rd homer of the year.