Miller’s blast lifts Archer past Padres in shutout

ST. PETERSBURG — After offensive outbursts the previous three games, it took only one swing to provide Tampa Bay with enough offense to win its fourth straight and complete a sweep over San Diego. Brad Miller hit a two-run homer in the first inning and Chris Archer made it stick in a 2-0 Rays win on Wednesday afternoon at Tropicana Field.

Archer pitched 7 1/3 scoreless innings and picked up his seventh victory, striking out nine. It was the first time all season that he kept an opponent off the board for at least seven frames. Archer tipped his cap to a standing ovation as he walked off the mound.

“Nice sweep. That was outstanding,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said. “Guys played really good. Nice interesting mix of games. Last night, we pour on a bunch of runs. Today, their pitcher did a tremendous job.”

Padres starter Christian Friedrich nearly matched the Rays’ ace in a strong outing. He lasted 6 2/3 efficient innings, only giving up the Miller blast. The loss was San Diego’s fifth in a row, and the Padres have scored just six runs during that entire stretch.

Rays closer Alex Colome had his first save of more than three outs since June 3. It was Tampa Bay’s seventh shutout of the season and fifth time winning four straight games.

“I felt good today. It was also nice to have the guys back there making great plays,” Archer said. “Any time I can give [Xavier Cedeno] a night off … or Erasmo [Ramirez] and some of those other guys, it’s a good day.”

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