Tampa Bay Rays Defeat Texas Rangers 9-0 in Game 1: The Reasons the Rays Won

The Rays won a crucial Game 1 of the ALDS versus the Rangers. This puts the Rays in the driver's seat of this series as they beat Rangers ace C.J. Wilson while throwing out their emergency starter, 22-year-old Matt Moore. However, Matt Moore lived up to all the hype, while C.J. Wilson never had full control over his pitches, and the Rays lineup punished him for his mistakes.

Here's why the Rays won.

C.J. Wilson's Lack of Command

5IP, 7H, 1BB, 6K, 8R (6ER)

C.J. Wilson opened the first inning by attacking the strike zone and looking sharp.  

However, he began to leave the ball fat over the plate, such as the home run pitch to Johnny Damon. Making matters worse, Wilson was unable to spot his breaking ball. The pitch was a detriment to him through the fourth inning, but by the time he had it working at a mediocre level, it was too late.

It just wasn't Wilson's day, but if the Rangers have a chance at winning this series, he'll have to re-group for a Game 4 or Game 5 start.

The Rangers Lineup's Lack of Aggressiveness

2-for-24, 2BB, 8K

The Rangers lineup let Moore control the game.  

No one other than Hamilton hit the ball hard, and the Rangers' lack of aggressiveness let Moore dictate the game. They never shook up the 22-year-old pitcher, nor did they make him feel like he had to use his breaking ball or become too precise with his pitches. Moore approached the game how he wanted to throughout.

Even if it didn't result in hits, the Rangers hitters should have swung earlier in the count and tried to take advantage of some of those early strikes that Moore was throwing all night long.

Kelly Shoppach's Bat

3-for-5, 2HR, 5RBI, 3R

Kelly Shoppach displayed some good hitting during his two home-run at bats. The first home run was a belt high fastball, but Wilson did locate it on the outside of the plate. But Shoppach was able to identify the pitch and get out a little in front of it to drive it to dead center.

When the Rays went up 6-0, you had a feeling this game was over.

Shoppach did not leave any questions, though, when he belted his second home run. This time Shoppach was patient and waited on a Wilson breaking ball and hammered it into left field. It wasn't the best breaking ball, but it wasn't the worst, and Shoppach's patience allowed him to drive the ball and seal the game for the Rays.

Matt Moore Is as Advertised

7IP, 2H, 2BB, 6K, 0R

Matt Moore pounded the strike zone in today's game. He had all his pitches working, and the Rangers were not sure what to do against him. At times, Moore was throwing it right over the plate, but the Rangers lacked aggressiveness. At the same time, when the Rangers would get aggressive, they seemed over-matched and Moore shined (see Nelson Cruz's fifth-inning at bat).

In the end, Moore looked like a veteran. He didn't waste time and had confidence in his pitches. The Rays offense did their part by always giving him a padding and allowing him to confidently throw strikes.

Josh Hamilton was the only player to get a hit off of Moore, and Kinsler and Andrus were the only players to draw a walk.

Up Next: Game 2 on Saturday Night

Game 2 of ALDS at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, 7:07 EST, TNT

Rays: RHP James Shields (16-12, 2.82 ERA) vs. Texas: LHP Derek Holland (16-5, 3.95 ERA)

Shields was the Rays' best pitcher this year and arguably the second best pitcher in the AL. He will face Derek Holland, who is coming off an amazing September where he had a 2.20 ERA and yielded a .181 opponents' batting average against while going 4-0 in five starts.

Holland had two starts against Tampa this year that did not go well, although he did win one. He had a 5.84 ERA and a 1.54 WHIP while the Rays hit .229 against him. 

Other than a poor July (5.40 ERA), Shields dominated the entire year. He finished third in the AL in both strikeouts (225) and ERA (2.82), as well as being fifth in the WHIP (1.04) while leading the Majors with 11 complete games. He dominated Texas in two starts, putting up a 0.53 ERA, a 0.65 WHIP and held the Rangers to a .140 batting average, winning both starts.  

Tampa should win this game, but the Rangers know everything is on the line; and Hamilton, Kinsler and the rest of the lineup needs to hop on Shields early before he gets comfortable.