Jays down Rays, 3-1

The Rays managed eight hits against three Jays pitchers and lost 3-1 at Dunedin Stadium.

I blogged earlier that it was the largest crowd I'd ever seen at the park and I was right. The game attracted 5,691 fans, the largest crowd to see a game since the stadium was refurbished and the seating capacity lowered in 2002.

These Rays are drawing well on the road, especially in the Tampa Bay area. That will be tested Saturday when they face the Reds in Sarasota, though that's not considered the Tampa Bay area.

Rays manager Joe Maddon was pleased with the pitching Friday.

Carlos Hernandez rebounded well after walking two and giving up three straight hits to start the fourth inning. One of those hits was a two-run double by Brad Emaus.

Brian Shouse gave up another hit, but threw another scoreless inning.

Jason Hammel rebounded nicely after giving up four runs and two home runs to the Red Sox in his last outing. He threw three shutout innings against the Jays and allowed just two singles.