SEATTLE — James Shields won his fourth consecutive start while striking out 10, Evan Longoria homered again, and the Tampa Bay Rays continued their joyride through the American League with a 5-2 victory over the Seattle Mariners on Tuesday night.
Shields (4-0) followed his career high-tying 12 strikeouts in his previous start against Oakland by allowing eight hits and two runs. He left after the first two Mariners singled in the ninth.
Rafael Soriano got the final three outs, including Jack Wilson on a three-pitch strikeout for his seventh save in seven tries.
The Rays are off to the best start in the American League since the 2005 Chicago White Sox also began 19-7. The last team to start better was the 2001 Mariners who went 20-6 en route to an AL-record 116 wins.