Braves 2, Rays 0
Braves 2, Rays 0: Tim Hudson pitched 7 2/3 shutout innings and catcher David Ross homered as visiting Atlanta took two of three in the series against Tampa Bay.
Hudson (3-1) allowed just four hits – two by B.J. Upton – and two walks. He threw 99 pitches, striking out three, to win his eighth game against the Rays in nine career decisions.
The Rays loaded the bases with two out in the eighth, but Luke Scott’s grounder between first and second hit runner Carlos Pena to end the inning. Craig Kimbrel pitched a 1-2-3 ninth for his 13th save as the Rays were shut out for the first time this season.
Tampa Bay starter David Price (6-3) gave up six hits and two runs - one earned - over seven innings, throwing a career-high 123 pitches.
Ross belted a 2-2 pitch from Price over the right field wall with one out in the third for a 1-0 lead. It was second blast of the season. The Braves extended their lead in the sixth on Jason Heyward’s broken-bat, RBI single.
The Rays loaded the bases in the sixth after there were two outs, but Pena flied out to center to end the threat.
GAME NOTEBOOK: It was Hudson’s first appearance at Tropicana Field since May 2, 2004 while he was in his last season with the Oakland A’s. He suffered his only loss against the Rays that day. … Tampa Bay is 3-5 the last eight games at home after winning 12 of the first 13. … Atlanta’s Chipper Jones missed his second straight game with a bruised left calf. … Martin Prado had two hits for the Braves, raising his average to .323.