Marcum K's 9 As Jays Defeat Rays 6-2

Shaun Marcum came within an out of a shutout, Scott Rolen hit a two-run homer and the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Tampa Bay Rays 6-2 on Wednesday night. Marcum (4-2) walked one and struck out nine, allowing two runs in 8 2-3. He won back-to-back starts for the first time this season and lowered his ERA to 2.59.

The right-hander got two quick outs in the ninth before Akinori Iwamura singled down the third-base line and Carl Crawford reached on an infield chopper. B.J. Upton followed with a two-run double to center, ending Marcum's chance for his first career complete game. Scott Downs came on and ended the game by striking out Carlos Pena. Pena has struck out eight times in his past nine at-bats. (More baseball stories.)