AL Wire Notes | Tampa Bay rookie goes on strikeout spree

Andy Sonnanstine's first career victory was one to remember.

The rookie right-hander struck out a franchise-record seven consecutive batters — one short of the American League record — in Tampa Bay's 9-4 victory over Florida on Sunday.

Sonnanstine, whose fastball is in the 88-90 mph range, finished with 10 strikeouts over seven innings in his second start. He is one of four rookies with double-digit strikeouts in a game this season, with Boston's Daisuke Matsuzaka, Baltimore's Jeremy Guthrie and San Francisco's Tim Lincecum.

The record of eight consecutive strikeouts has been achieved six times in the AL, most recently by Blake Stein of Kansas City in 2001.

"I didn't even know that until you guys just told me," Sonnanstine told reporters.

Sonnanstine, who bats left-handed, also had his first two hits and first RBI despite not having swung at bat in a game since his junior year of high school.

He was just as impressive with pitch location and different arm angles.

"He was changing speeds and almost looked like a little younger version of El Duque," said Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez, referring to New York Mets right-hander Orlando Hernandez.

"It's good for the industry to see a guy pitch well who pays attention to deception and knows what he's doing out there," Devil Rays manager Joe Maddon said. "A lot of times guys like that fall through the cracks."

Baltimore: LHP Erik Bedard struck out eight Rockies and leads the majors with 103 strikeouts.

Boston: LHP Jon Lester, out since March 28 with muscle cramping in his left forearm, isn't being rushed back. "This is a long-term commitment with this kid," manager Terry Francona said of the 23-year-old from Puyallup.

Chicago: C A.J. Pierzynski dropped his appeal and served a one-game suspension for his conduct during a game last week.

Cleveland: 3B Casey Blake doubled in his first at-bat, extending his career-high hitting streak to 19 games.

Detroit: OF Magglio Ordonez was scratched from the lineup because of minor stiffness in his left knee.

Los Angeles: RHP Jered Weaver struck out against St. Louis in his first at-bat since high school. He left after the third inning with tightness in his lower back.

Minnesota: SS Jason Bartlett, 3 for 24 in his previous six games, had three hits.

New York: OF Bobby Abreu's 4-for-4 game was his seventh multihit effort in 10 June games, raising his average from .228 to .272.

Oakland: LHP Lenny DiNardo has been stellar in three starts, allowing one earned run in 17-1/3 innings. He threw six scoreless innings against San Francisco.

Toronto: RHP Roy Halladay's RBI was the first by a Jays pitcher since June 21, 2003, when RHP Mark Hendrickson homered for Toronto.

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