CINCINNATI – Alex Cobb went seven innings on Saturday, extending Tampa Bay's run of solid starting pitching, and James Loney homered for a 1-0 victory over the slumping Cincinnati Reds.
The Rays came into the interleague series with a 1-8 mark against the Reds. They've taken the first two games with shutdown pitching and just enough offense.
Cobb (1-1) pitched seven shutout inning against Texas on Sunday but got a no-decision. He kept the scoreless streak going on Saturday, limiting Cincinnati's struggling lineup to four hits without walking a batter.
Grant Balfour, who fanned Brayan Pena with the bases loaded to end Friday night's game, got three outs for his fourth save in as many chances, finishing off the four-hitter.
Loney led off the second inning with his first homer against Alfredo Simon (1-1), who matched his career high with eight innings and allowed only five hits.
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.