Matt Garza strikes out 7 over 7 strong innings as Rays beat Pirates split-squad 8-2

Garza goes 7 innings as Rays top Pirates 8-2

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. — Matt Garza pitched seven strong innings and was bolstered by a strong offensive effort as the Tampa Bay Rays defeated a Pittsburgh Pirates split-squad 8-2 on Sunday.

Ben Zobrist went 3 for 4 with a home run and a triple, and Carl Crawford was 2 for 3 with two doubles as the Rays scored seven runs in the first three innings.

That was more than enough for Garza, who struck out seven and gave up four hits in a smooth outing. He is scheduled to pitch the second game of the regular season against Baltimore.

Zobrist started the Rays’ three-run first inning with an RBI triple and Carlos Pena followed with a home run to left center off Pirates starter Ross Ohlendorf.

Ohlendorf gave up 10 hits and eight runs in four innings and has a spring ERA of 9.82.