ST. PETERSBURG -- In his first Major League start since September of last year, Rays starter Alex Colome threw five shutout innings against a powerful Baltimore Orioles lineup on Friday night, allowing three hits -- all singles -- and striking out six without issuing a walk.
The 26-year old right-hander, who was diagnosed with pneumonia midway through Spring Training after visa problems had delayed his arrival at Rays camp, mixed a mid-90s fastball with an elusive slider, a sharp-breaking curveball and an occasional changeup.
Rays manager Kevin Cash told reporters before the game that he would limit Colome to "about 60 pitches," which is the amount he threw before being lifted with a 2-0 Rays lead.