ANAHEIM, Calif., May 24 (UPI) -- Jeremi Gonzalez, earning his first win in nearly five years and ending a three-game losing streak for Tampa Bay, pitched six outstanding innings and rookie Rocco Baldelli homered and had a season-high four hits as the Devil Rays posted a 3-1 victory Friday night over the Anaheim Angels.
Gonzalez (1-1) recorded his first victory since June 28, 1988, when he was with the Chicago Cubs. The 28-year-old righthander allowed one run and two hits. He struck out five and walked five.
Baldelli snapped out of an 0-for-13 skid with his big day, including his third homer of the season, a solo shot off Angels starter Jarrod Washburn (4-5) that gave Tampa Bay a 1-0 lead. The three-game hitless stretch for Baldelli was the worst of his initial season.
The Devil Rays took the lead for good by snapping a 1-1 tie in the fourth inning. Ben Grieve stroked a leadoff double before Washburn retired the next two hitters. But Carl Crawford came through with a clutch RBI single to left field for a 2-1 lead.
Tampa Bay's bullpen combined on three scoreless innings, allowing only a pair of singles. Closer Lance Carter allowed one hit in 1 1/3 innings for his ninth save in 13 chances.
