by Steve Carney

Alex Cobb and Chris Archercombined to throw seven shutout innings, and Rays hitters used a four-run outburst in the seventh inning to defeat the Pittsburgh Pirates 4-0 Thursday in Bradenton.

Cobb went the first four frames, allowing just a third inning single to Josh Harrison.  He also struck out five while not walking anyone.

Archer continued his strong spring, throwing three no-hit innings.  He did walk a pair, but struck out a trio of Pittsburgh hitters.

The game was scoreless until the top of the seventh inning, when Chris Gimenez doubled to lead off the frame, and was lifted for pinch-runner Hak-Ju Lee.  Jose Lobaton grounded out, but Gaby Sanchez's throwing error on a Wil Myers grounder allowed Lee to come home and open the scoring.

A single by Mike Fontenot plated Myers to make it 2-0, and a double by Tim Beckham brought in pinch-runner Brandon Guyer for a 3-0 lead.  Leslie Anderson's single scored Beckham for a 4-0 lead.

The game remained 4-0 until the bottom of the ninth, when a Russell Martin double off Jake Odorizzi brought in a pair of runs to set the score.

Tampa Bay will return to Port Charlotte Friday to begin a home-and-home set with the Philadelphia Phillies.  David Price is scheduled to start, with Kyle Farnsworth also scheduled to throw for the first time this spring.  First pitch is scheduled for 1:05.