Struggling Burrell shows some spark

ST. PETERSBURG - There were some positives in the Rays' 7-3 loss to the Yankees on Sunday, not the least of which was struggling DH Pat Burrell going 2-for-4.

Burrell, coming off a dismal season, entered the game 1-for-12 and grounded out in his first at-bat. But he singled off A.J. Burnett in the fifth and singled again off closer Mariano Rivera in the ninth.

"It's one game, but that's how it starts," Burrell said after raising his average to .188. "It's unfortunate we lost the game and the series, but for me personally, I think I'm moving in the right direction, and hopefully it will continue."

Burrell got doubled-up after his single in the fifth. The Rays had a hit-and-run called, and Dioner Navarro hit a line drive to center. CF Curtis Granderson made a nice catch and threw out Burrell at first.



(tbo.com)