ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., April 15 (UPI) -- Kelly Shoppach bashed a two-run homer and Wade Davis turned in a strong start for Tampa Bay Friday, sparking the Rays to a 5-2 win over Minnesota.
Shoppach's seventh-inning clout broke open the game, extending Tampa Bay's lead to 5-1 and giving the Rays their fourth straight win after a slow start to the season.
Johnny Damon added a two-run single and Sam Fuld went 3-for-4 with a run scored in the victory.
Davis (1-2) held the Twins to one run on four hits over seven innings, walking two and striking out one.
Kyle Farnsworth came in to collect his third save after Minnesota had scored a run in the ninth on shortstop Reid Brignac's throwing error.
Nick Blackburn (1-2) was roughed up for five runs on 10 hits over six innings for the Twins, who dropped their third straight after learning all-star catcher Joe Mauer had been put on the disabled list with a viral infection.
