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Rays right hander Jake Odorizzi dominates Astros in 8-0 win

Jun 16, 2014; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Jake Odorizzi (23) throws a pitch during the second inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 16, 2014; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Jake Odorizzi (23) throws a pitch during the second inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Tampa Bay Rays righty Jake Odorizzi was brilliant today against the Houston Astros.  The 24 year old, acquired from the Kansas City Royals in the James Shields deal, had arguably the best start of his young career in the 8-0 victory.

Odorizzi allowed only one hit through 7.1 innings, and that was on an infield hit.  He also walked two and struck out ten.  This was his second double digit strikeout game of the season.

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Odorizzi has had his share of ups-and-downs this season, but he now has three straight starts in which he has allowed two runs or less.

The dominant performance today puts him at 3-7 with a 4.29 ERA.  He does have 91 strikeouts in just 77.2 innings pitched.

Most of the damage to hsi ERA was done in the month of April, when he gave up 18 runs over a four start stretch.  Those came after his six shutout innings against the Rangers in his first start.

Odorizzi has only given up 19 runs in the nine starts since.

The Rays scored eight runs in a game +for the first time since May 25th.  In fact, that is two more run than they scored in the previous three games combined.  And they did it without a home run.

24 year old James Buchanan made his major league debut today for the Astros.  It did not go so well for him.  He lasted only 4.1 innings, giving up eight hits, three walks, and five runs.  He also hit a batter.

Odorizzi’s next start is scheduled to come in game two of a Friday doubleheader in Baltimore.