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Scott Kazmir limited the Athletics to just two hits on Monday night as the Rays shut out the A's, 4-0 at Tropicana Field. Tampa Bay has won three of its past four games since a seven-game losing streak that began before the All-Star break. The Rays lead the Red Sox by 1 1/2 games and the Yankees by 4 1/2 games for the AL East lead.

Kazmir pitched seven innings, walking four and striking out nine as he picked up his eighth win of the season. Meanwhile, third baseman Evan Longoria put the finishing touch on the game after hitting his 19th home run of the season in the fifth inning to provide the final margin. Willie Aybar also homered for the Rays and Grant Balfour and J.P. Howell were perfect in relief.