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Rays Sharp Despite Loss

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By TONY FABRIZIO | The Tampa Tribune

Published: March 1, 2009

PORT CHARLOTTE - Never mind the 6-3 Grapefruit League loss to the Blue Jays, the Rays had a strong showing at chilly Charlotte Sports Park on Sunday.

Carl Crawford went 2-for-3 with two triples, two runs and an RBI, Evan Longoria doubled twice and made two excellent defensive plays third base and right-handed pitcher Jason Hammel made another strong push for the fifth job in the starting rotation.

The game was decided by backups and prospects, with pitchers Winston Abreu and Chad Orvella giving up a combined three earned runs in the final 2 2/3 innings.

Left fielder Crawford got his triples off of lefthander Ken Takahashi and righthander Brian Wolfe and said his troublesome hamstrings feel strong.

"It's easy on the [natural] grass – no problem to maintain," Crawford said. "The test will come when we get to the Trop. I'm hoping the training I did will help me stay healthy, but I won't know til I get there.

"I feel explosive again. Last year I didn't. I just hope I can maintain it."

Longoria, who drove in Crawford with one of his doubles, made a sliding catch on a popped up bunt by Wayne Lydon in foul territory and turned a double play after leaping to snare a Brian Jeroloman liner.

Hammel made his second strong start of the spring and pitched four scoreless innings, allowing three hits while striking out three and walking one. He benefited from good defense, including Longoria's plays and a running catch by Pat Burrell, who drew a start in right field.

After spending most of last year in the bullpen, the 6-foot-6 Hammel said he's ready to resume his place as a starter.

"They brought me up as a starter, and I've been in the pen," he said. "I'm ready to show them I can be a starter. I will win the ballgame for you if you give me the ball."

Manager Joe Maddon has taken notice.

"He's pitching with a lot of purpose right now," he said. "Last year he did some really important work for us in the bullpen. He's always been a starter [before that], and I totally believe he wants to show us that he can be."

St. Petersburg native Jesse Litsch started the Blue Jays and pitched two scoreless innings. Brad Emaus' RBI double off Abreu in the eighth provided the winning run.

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