ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Matt Moore dominated in his second major league start, pitching seven innings of two-hit ball as the improbable Tampa Bay Rays opened the real playoffs with a 9-0 victory over the defending AL champion Texas Rangers on Friday.
Kelly Shoppach homered twice and drove in five runs as Tampa Bay started strong in the best-of-five matchup. The Rays played for the first time since a dramatic rally on the final day of the regular season put them in the playoffs.
Moore, who made his big league debut on Sept. 14, struck out six and walked two against the AL’s top-hitting team.
Game 2 in Saturday night. James Shields will start for the Rays against Derek Holland.
